Construction & Real Estate Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Interior Designer Salary in Virginia

The median interior designer salary in Virginia is $64,054 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $61,590.

Median Salary
$64,054
vs National
+$2,464
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Interior Designer Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for interior designer compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for interior designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,054 per year, interior designers in Virginia earn $2,464 more than the national median of $61,590.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning interior designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: interior designers at the 10th percentile earn $35,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,320 — a $76,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $81,299.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level interior designer earns around $37,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,000 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,440
+$1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
+$2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,000
+$4,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $35,360
25th Percentile $45,760
Median (50th) $64,054
75th Percentile $85,280
90th Percentile $112,320

Interior Designer Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for interior designers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interior Designer in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Virginia

How much does a Interior Designer make in Virginia? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Virginia is $64,054 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $35,360 (10th percentile) to $112,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,054, a interior designer in Virginia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for interior designers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for interior designer pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level interior designers earn $37,440, while senior professionals earn $104,000.
How does Virginia compare to other states for interior designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interior designers is Hawaii at $104,703. Virginia's median of $64,054 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($64,670) and Rhode Island ($64,670).
What is the entry-level interior designer salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level interior designer in Virginia earns approximately $37,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,000.
What city in Virginia pays interior designers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for interior designers, with a median salary of $81,299. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.