How much can an Interior Designer make

If you're always restyling rooms or dreaming of transforming spaces, a career in Interior Design could be your perfect match. But beyond finding the ideal aesthetics, there's a real-world question: how much can an Interior Designer make?

Let’s dive into what Interior Designer salaries look like across Australia.

Interior Designer salaries in Australia

The average interior designer salary in Australia ranges from $75,000 to $110,000 for full-time professionals. While junior-level designers typically start anywhere between $50,000 to $65,000, while more experienced designers can make upwards of $100,000, depending on their portfolio, location and client base.

What’s the salary range for interior designers across major cities? According to seek.com, interior designers in Melbourne earn the highest, with an annual salary of $80,000 to $95,000 followed closely by Sydney ($75,000 to $95,000) and Brisbane ($75,000 to $80,000). Rural and regional designers may earn less on average but often benefit from a lower cost of living.

Qualifications can be a game-changer with those with a recognised Interior Design course or Interior Design degree often find themselves fast-tracked into higher-salaried positions. Certification adds credibility and opens the door to premium projects and clients.

Factors affecting Interior Designer salary and pay

Several elements influence Interior Designer pay. Industry demand plays a big role: as property markets boom and workplace design evolves, the need for smart, sustainable interiors grows too. Designers with a strong grasp of trends and spatial solutions are highly sought after and earn commensurately.

According to Archipro, hourly rates for interior designers sit between $50 and $500 per hour. Entry-level designers can charge $50 to $90 per hour; mid-level designers range from $100 to $300, while senior designers may have fees of $300 or more per hour.

Some interior designers will charge a project flat fee for small, straightforward projects.

For larger jobs, designers may charge a percentage of the total project cost, ranging from 10% to 30%.

Specialising is a good way to light a fire under your earnings and get you closer to the higher end of the salary range. Whether you focus on luxury residential, retail spaces, or eco-friendly design, carving out a niche increases your value and appeals to clients looking for specific expertise.

How to build a successful career in interior design

Success in interior design requires a mix of talent, skills and knowledge, and a good network.

Building relationships with Architects, Developers, and real estate professionals can lead to long-term collaborations and bigger projects. Attending industry events and joining professional organisations like the Design Institute of Australia can be career gold.

Ongoing development is also key. Upskilling through short courses, software certifications or even advancing with a Bachelor of Interior Design can help you stay competitive and confidently negotiate (and earn!) better pay.

When it comes to negotiation, back yourself. Arrive at interviews with a killer folio, clear salary expectations based on market research, and be prepared to discuss how your creative solutions have added value in past projects.

Information is current as of July 2025