Being an interior designer is among the most creative and enjoyable professions in New York, where design trends are closely followed. People considering interior design as a career or those thinking about working in NYC’s interior design field need to know how much they can make there.

Before taking on large projects, many firms and freelancers also collaborate with NY cost estimating & takeoff services to better understand budgeting, material costs, and resource planning.

Average Interior Designer Salary in New York City

The average salary of an interior designer in New York City is about $75,000 to $85,000 each year as of 2025. The exact number can change depending on the person’s skills, where they work, their chosen subject, and qualifications.

This is the breakdown of income based on different levels of experience:

For those with 0–2 years of experience, the average salary is around $45,000 to $55,000 per year.
For mid-level (3–5 years) experience, people can earn between $60,000 and $80,000 each year.
For senior workers (6–10+ years), the salary is typically $90,000 to $120,000 or more.
For Design Directors or Principals, the salary will be between $130,000 and $200,000, often even more.

The average salary in the area is much higher than the national average salary for interior designers, which is usually between $60,000 and $70,000. The main reason is that it is more costly to live, and businesses require the most advanced designs in NYC.

Freelance and Self-Employed Designers

Some interior designers do not work in design firms. A lot of them operate independently, doing design jobs through their own business. Many factors determine their income, including their rates, how many clients they have, and the types of projects they undertake.

The most common rates for freelance interior design in NYC are:

Prices are given as a range of $100 to $250 per hour
Fees can range from $5,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the project’s size
Commission-based system: Designers who earn this way order furniture and materials for their clients

There is great potential for those high-end freelance designers who secure work with luxury clients in Manhattan or Brooklyn to earn salaries well into six figures annually, though, because of inconsistency, they rely on marketing, referrals, or networking for clients.

Factors That Affect Interior Designer Salaries

Some major elements determine what an interior designer can do in New York City:

Experience

Your level of experience greatly impacts your salary. After designers collect a strong portfolio and meet people in the industry, they can ask for higher payments and get more significant projects.

Education and Certifications

Interior designers who hold a degree in interior design, architecture, or a similar area typically make more. Being certified with the NCIDQ or a member of groups such as the ASID adds to one’s reputation and earning potential.

Specialization

Some designers focus solely on areas such as:

Luxury home interior design
Workplaces for businesses
Hospitality and hotel interior design
Retail design

Because they know a lot and manage large sums of money, they are paid more than those in other roles.

Employer Type

Interior designers have several options for employers in NYC.

At small design studios, the pay may not be high, but employees have more chances to use their creativity.

At large architecture or design firms, you can expect to earn reasonably good pay, gain valuable benefits, and have jobs that grow your career.

Furniture companies, which are typical retailers, usually offer stable pay while offering fewer chances for creative participation.

Large-scale design projects can be very profitable for real estate developers or construction companies.

Location Within NYC

Although all of New York’s boroughs provide design services, Manhattan is the best paid. Due to the affluent clients they serve and the luxury they ask for, designers in places such as the Upper East Side, Tribeca, and SoHo usually earn more.

Job Outlook for Interior Designers in NYC

Interior designers have a good future in New York City, mainly because of opportunities in the residential and commercial fields. Consequently, there is constant demand for architectural services in the city, driven by modern trends in living, sustainability, and working from home.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 4% national increase, but the growth for NYC is likely to be greater because of ongoing city development and property turnover.

How to Increase Your Salary as an Interior Designer in NYC

Here are some successful ways you can earn more money if you are an interior designer:

Build a Strong Portfolio

A well-designed, visually impressive portfolio plays a big role here. Submitting your strongest work, with before-and-after images, 3D renders, and testimonials, can attract clients or roles that pay better.

Gain Certifications

You can boost your value and chances of finding better-paid jobs by earning certificates such as NCIDQ, LEED, or WELL.

Specialize

Being an expert in luxury interiors, eco-friendly homes, or intelligent technologies enables you to ask for more money for your designs.

Network Within the Industry

You can join IFDA, IIDA, or ASID NYC, go to design expos, and involve yourself in meetings with realtors and contractors to improve your business.

Negotiate Your Value

You should always try to negotiate your rates, no matter if you are with a firm or working on your own. If you have increased how much a property is worth or made clients more satisfied, that can improve your position in the case.

Final Thoughts

Let’s find out how much a New York City interior designer earns in the industry. It depends on different elements such as experience, certificates, field of practice, and the job arrangement. You can expect your salary to be between $75,000 and $85,000, but those with more experience and freelancers tend to earn at least $100,000.

If you have the right abilities, showcase and approach, New York City can be a fun and successful place for interior designers. The most important things to do, whether working for a firm or on your own, are to stand out, bring value, and regularly adapt along with your industry.

FAQs

Do interior designers in NYC need a license?

Interior designers in New York State are not legally required to obtain a license, except if using the title “Certified Interior Designer,” which means they passed the NCIDQ exam. For particular professional design jobs, licensing may be required before any work can be carried out.

Can interior designers make over $100,000 in NYC?

Yes, it is common for senior interior designers, firm owners, or experts in luxury design in NYC to earn more than $100,000 annually, especially if they have impressive portfolios and prestigious clients.

Leif Rowdy

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