Interior designers are professionals who design indoor areas by adding decorative items and fitting them into the determined and available space, and the career outlook for interior designers continues to be very good. Working as an interior designer can be a big responsibility because they’re often hired by large organizations and expected to design an entire building or a suite of offices and workspaces. Interior designers must be knowledgeable of designs, lighting, fabrics, building codes and accessibility standards as well as drawing and editing blueprints. Experienced interior designers with degrees often see excellent career opportunities.
Career Outlook for Interior Designers
There continues to be a strong need and demand for interior designers. The demand for more interior designers is attributed to many things, including the public’s increasing interest in interior design as well as a new awareness of the benefits of interior design. Interior designers today have better career opportunities than ever before. Many homeowners are now choosing to hire interior designers when they build new homes, update their homes or remodel aging rooms.
Businesses are also realizing that having a place with an attractive interior can be a benefit for both customers and employees. The recent demand for more facilities to accommodate senior citizens has resulted in the healthcare industry utilizing the services of interior designers. The hospitality industry has also contributed to the demand for interior designers, as they’re able to acknowledge that attractive design work can help bring in more business and revenue.
Interior designers are expected to experience job growth of 4 percent during the decade of 2018 to 2028 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). New construction is the area where the largest demand can be found for interior designers. The best job prospects are generally found in high-income areas because these are the businesses or individuals that can best afford the services of interior designers.
Salary Potential for Interior Designers
Interior designers have the potential to earn very good wages according to the BLS. As of May 2018, interior designers nationwide earned wages ranging from $29,970 to $94,130 with the average annual wage at $59,120. Interior designers earned an average hourly wage of $28.42. Wages can vary by different factors, such as degree level, work experience, employer, certifications earned, and geographic location. Here are the five states offering the highest wages for interior designers:
- District of Columbia – $79,230
- Rhode Island – $75,110
- Alaska – $71,150
- California – $68,440
- Arkansas – $66,840
Requirements to Become an Interior Designer
Interior designers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. The degree may be in any major, but they usually have an emphasis on interior architecture or interior design. Interior design is also offered as an associate or master’s degree program, but the bachelor’s degree is the most common. Interior design programs include courses in drawing, interior design and computer-aided design.
There are more than 180 baccalaureate and graduate degree programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Additionally, there are also more than 360 colleges and schools offering art and design programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. In addition to completing coursework, interior design students are also required to complete a portfolio of their sketches and design work.
Depending on the state, interior designers may need to be licensed to work and use the title of an interior designer. States that do require licensure will only administer licenses to candidates who pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam or a similar state-approved examination. Eligibility to take the exam usually includes holding at least a bachelor’s degree in interior design and at least two years of experience working in the field of interior design.
Some interior designers choose to obtain certification in specific areas of interior design. In addition to being creative and artistic, interior designers must possess good problem-solving and interpersonal skills. They must also have good visualization skills and be detail-oriented because interior designers need to have an excellent eye for details and what looks good.
Working as an interior designer can be rewarding, challenging and a whole lot of fun, especially when the designer starts with almost nothing and can turn it into a beautifully decorated space. Their high demand continues to provide a good career outlook for interior designers.
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