Construction & Real Estate South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Interior Designer Salary in South Carolina

The median interior designer salary in South Carolina is $54,815 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $61,590.

Median Salary
$54,815
vs National
$-6,775
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Interior Designer Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for interior designer compensation. Interior Designer salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,815 per year, interior designers in South Carolina earn $6,775 less than the national median of $61,590.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $54,815 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,590 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: interior designers at the 10th percentile earn $30,260, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,120 — a $65,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $64,670.

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for interior designers across the country.

Interior Designer Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level interior designer earns around $32,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,000 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,070
$-6,930 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,000
$-11,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $30,260
25th Percentile $39,160
Median (50th) $54,815
75th Percentile $72,980
90th Percentile $96,120

Interior Designer Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for interior designers in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interior Designer in South Carolina

Education

Most interior designer positions require a bachelor's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, interior designer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Interior Designer make in South Carolina? ▼
The median interior designer salary in South Carolina is $54,815 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $30,260 (10th percentile) to $96,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,815, a interior designer in South Carolina earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for interior designers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for interior designer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level interior designers earn $32,040, while senior professionals earn $89,000.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for interior designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interior designers is Hawaii at $104,703. South Carolina's median of $54,815 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($55,431) and Iowa ($54,815).
What is the entry-level interior designer salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level interior designer in South Carolina earns approximately $32,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,070. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,000.
What city in South Carolina pays interior designers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for interior designers, with a median salary of $64,670. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.