Construction & Real Estate Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Interior Designer Salary in Washington

The median interior designer salary in Washington is $70,829 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $61,590.

Median Salary
$70,829
vs National
+$9,239
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Interior Designer Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for interior designer compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for interior designers seeking high pay. At $70,829 per year, interior designers in Washington earn $9,239 more than the national median of $61,590.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $70,829 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $61,590.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: interior designers at the 10th percentile earn $39,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,200 — a $85,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $93,617.

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 Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level interior designer earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,450
+$9,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,000
+$15,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $39,100
25th Percentile $50,600
Median (50th) $70,829
75th Percentile $94,300
90th Percentile $124,200

Interior Designer Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for interior designers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Interior Designer in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook in Washington

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Washington

How much does a Interior Designer make in Washington? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Washington is $70,829 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $39,100 (10th percentile) to $124,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,829, a interior designer in Washington earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for interior designers? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for interior designer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level interior designers earn $41,400, while senior professionals earn $115,000.
How does Washington compare to other states for interior designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interior designers is Hawaii at $104,703. Washington's median of $70,829 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($75,140) and New Jersey ($70,829).
What is the entry-level interior designer salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level interior designer in Washington earns approximately $41,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,000.
What city in Washington pays interior designers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for interior designers, with a median salary of $93,617. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.