Interior Designer
Morgan Aytes
Nature of the Work
Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials.
Training and Qualifications
Training programs are available from professional design schools or from colleges and universities and usually take 2 to 4 years to complete. Interior designers are usually familiar with computer-aided design software and the basics of architecture and engineering to ensure that their designs meet building safety codes. Must be able to read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations.
Job Outlook
Projected 10-year growth: 13% (2012)
Number of jobs: 54,900 (2012)
Number of jobs: 54,900 (2012)
Earning Potential
For Interior Designers, higher-than-average salaries can be found at Self-Employed, average employee average around $73K relative to the national average of $42K per year.
University/College
A bachelor's degree is usually required, as are classes in interior design, drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD). A bachelor's degree in any field is acceptable, and interior design programs are available at the associate's-, bachelor's-, and master's-degree levels. Usually takes 2 to 3 years till awarded certificates or associate degrees in interior design.
- New York School of Interior Design in NY
- California State University - Sacramento
- Ohio State University
- College of Southern Nevada