How much do interior designers make?

Are you curious about the earning potential of an interior designer? Whether you’re considering a career in this creative field or just wondering how much these professionals make, understanding their salaries can provide valuable insights. Interior designers turn spaces like homes, offices, and shops into beautiful, functional areas.

But how much can they expect to earn for their work? The answer depends on several factors like experience, location, and the type of clients they work with. In this blog, we’ll break down what affects an interior designer’s salary and how much you can make in this exciting field.

What Affects How Much Interior Designers Make?

The income of an interior designer can vary quite a lot. Here are the main factors that affect how much interior designers make:

Experience Level

More experience usually means more pay. New designers might start with a lower salary, but as they work on more projects and gain skills, they can increase their earnings. Senior designers or those who run their own firms usually make much more. However, reaching that level may take several years.

Location

Where you work can impact your salary. Designers in large cities or wealthy areas tend to make more money than those in smaller towns. For example, interior designers in London usually earn more than those in rural parts of the UK. This is partly due to the cost of living being higher in big cities.

Client Type

Working with high-end clients can boost an interior designer’s income. These clients have bigger budgets and are willing to pay more for good design. On the other hand, working with smaller budgets or more affordable projects may lead to lower pay.

Specialisation

Designers who specialise in a specific area, like eco-friendly design or commercial spaces, can often charge more. This specialisation usually requires extra training or experience, but it can lead to higher-paying jobs.

Freelance or Employed

Whether you work for yourself or for a company also affects your pay. Freelancers can set their own rates, but they have to cover their own expenses. On the other hand, designers who work for a firm may have a steady income but less control over how much they can charge.

Average Salary of Interior Designers in the UK

Now, let’s look at the numbers. On average, how much do interior designers make in the UK? The typical salary for an interior designer is around £30,000 per year. However, this amount can change based on the factors we discussed. Below are some common salary ranges:

• Entry-level designers usually earn between £18,000 and £25,000 per year. This is common for those just starting their career and learning the ropes.
• Mid-level designers with a few years of experience can expect to earn between £25,000 and £40,000 per year in the UK. By this stage, they have built up a portfolio and are working on larger projects.
• Senior designers or those with lots of experience can make between £40,000 and £60,000 per year. Designers who work with high-end clients or run their own businesses can earn even more.

Freelancing as an Interior Designer

If you work as a freelance interior designer, you can set your own rates. Freelancers may charge by the hour, by project, or as a percentage of the total project cost. However, figuring out how much to charge can be tricky, especially at the start. Here are a few ways freelancers set their rates:

Hourly Rates

Many freelancers charge hourly, with rates ranging from £25 to £100 per hour. The rate you charge depends on your experience and the type of project. New designers may start on the lower end, while experienced designers can charge more.

Project Fees

Some designers prefer to charge a flat fee for the entire project. This means they estimate the time and work involved and give a fixed price. Project fees can range from a few thousand pounds for small projects to tens of thousands for bigger ones.

Percentage of the Project Cost

Another option is to charge a percentage of the project’s total cost, usually between 10% and 20%. This method can be helpful for designers working on big-budget projects because their earnings increase with the project’s cost.

Other Ways to Earn More as a Designer

There are other ways interior designers can boost their income. Some sell products like furniture or home decor, which adds another income stream. Others may offer consulting services where they provide advice without taking on the full project. These extra opportunities can make a big difference to your overall earnings.

Interior Designers in High Demand

The demand for interior designers is growing in several sectors, so it’s a good time to consider this career. Designers are needed for homes, offices, and hospitality spaces like hotels. Additionally, as eco-friendly design becomes more popular, designers with expertise in this area are seeing more opportunities.

• Home Design: Many interior designers work with homeowners to create beautiful living spaces. This can involve small projects like redecorating a room or big projects like designing an entire house. The pay for these jobs can vary based on the size and complexity of the project.
• Commercial Design: Interior designers are also needed in the commercial world. They work on projects like office spaces, shops, and hotels. These projects often have larger budgets, which can mean higher pay for designers.
• Eco-friendly Design: As more people and businesses focus on sustainability, there is a growing need for eco-friendly design. Designers who specialise in creating environmentally friendly spaces may find themselves in high demand.

Conclusion

The earnings of interior designers depend on factors like experience, location, the type of clients they work with, and whether they specialise in a specific area. On average, interior designers in the UK earn around £30,000 per year, but that number can rise with experience or if you focus on high-end projects. Freelancers may have the potential to earn more by setting their own rates and working on larger jobs. If you’re considering a career in interior design, there is a good earning potential, especially as the demand for skilled designers continues to grow.

Whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience, understanding what affects your earnings is important for planning your career in this exciting and creative field.