In this article, we will look at the 15 highest paying countries for interior designers. We have also discussed the global interior design services industry. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Interior Designers.
The global interior design services industry is set for a sizeable growth, with projections indicating a strong trajectory in the coming years. Estimated at $45.1 billion in 2022, the market is expected to increase to $79.6 billion in valuation by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% during the forecast period. This expansion is primarily attributed to the rising demand for interior design services across both commercial and residential sectors, fueled by factors such as urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences. Key regions experiencing and driving this growth are the United States, with a market size estimated at $12.3 billion in 2022, and China, expected to observe an 11.6% CAGR and reach a projected market size of $18.3 billion by 2030.
In the United States, interior designers are part of a growing workforce, with nearly 62,000 individuals employed in the field according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The projected growth rate is modest, with just a 1% increase expected by 2031 that will add around 800 new jobs.
Salaries for interior designers also vary largely across the United States. The national average annual wage sits at $62,570 which is slightly higher than the average for all occupations. However, the highest-paying states offer substantially more, with Rhode Island being the highest paying state for interior designers with an average of $77,250 per year. Conversely, the lowest-paying states for interior designers offer salaries well below the national average. Mississippi, for example, has an average interior designer salary of $41,510. Beyond the US, Singapore and Hong Kong are two of the highest paying countries for interior designers in Asia.
Before getting into our list of the best paying countries for interior designers, lets look at the global key players in interior designing industry and their recent developments.
For example, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc (NYSE:ETD) observed strong financial performance in its fiscal 2024 second quarter, despite lower sales as a result of the post-pandemic economy. The company reported consolidated net sales of $167.3 million, with a 17.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Retail net sales saw a decline of 19.0% to $139.2 million, while wholesale net sales decreased by 14.7% to $90.6 million. Despite these challenges, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc (NYSE:ETD)’s gross margin stood strong at 60.2%, representing an increase from 55.2% in the same quarter ending December 31, 2018. This strong margin was due to the lower input costs like the reduced inbound freight and raw material expenses, as well as effective cost management strategies.
Moreover, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc (NYSE:ETD) also adopted prudent financial management with its solid balance sheet and reduced inventory levels. Cash and investments totaled an impressive $167.8 million, up from $38.8 million five years ago. Inventory carrying levels were reduced by 11.8% to $140.9 million at the end of December 31, 2023. Looking forward, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc (NYSE:ETD) remains cautiously optimistic, capitalizing on its strengths in interior design and technology to navigate the evolving market landscape.
On the other hand, Interface, Inc (NASDAQ:TILE), founded in 1973, has revolutionized commercial flooring worldwide with its innovative modular solutions. With over 50 years of flooring innovation, Interface, Inc (NASDAQ:TILE) now serves customers in over 100 countries with 3,600 employees globally. With six manufacturing sites across four continents, the company generated $1.3 billion in global revenue as of fiscal year 2023.
Moreover, Interface, Inc (NASDAQ:TILE) is committed to sustainability and is making consistent efforts to become a restorative business. From setting ambitious science-based targets to investing in reducing carbon impact, they aim to do more than just less harm – they aim to do good for the planet. Additionally, innovation is at the core of Interface, Inc (NASDAQ:TILE) ethos, with a focus on utilizing the latest technology and materials science to create groundbreaking flooring solutions.
15 Highest Paying Countries for Interior Designers
Interior of a large office building - reflecting the company's various commercial properties.
Our Methodology
To list the highest paying countries for interior designers, we identified the countries with the highest demand for interior designers and then made a list for 25 countries with the average salaries for interior designers. Of those 25, the 15 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of interior designers for each country from ERI Economic Research Institute. The list is presented in ascending order.
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15. United Kingdom
Average Salary: $55,393
British interior designers are known for creating eclectic, elegant spaces that marry functionality with aesthetic appeal. Moreover, renowned design schools, like the Royal College of Art, have been known to foster creative talent in the country for ages. This also explains why the UK is considered one of the best countries to study interior designing.
It is also worth highlighting that London is one of the highest paying cities for interior designers in the world.
14. Canada
Average Salary: $58,986
From Vancouver's sleek urban lofts to rustic cabins in the Yukon, each region in the country has its unique design ethos. In Canada, sustainability is at the heart of interior designing, with designers incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions. Yabu Pushelberg and Amanda Hamilton are two of the most popular interior design studios in Canada.
13. Norway
Average Salary: $59,818
Norway is one of the highest paying countries for interior designers in Europe. Moreover, the top-paying companies in Norway for interior designers are popular architecture and design firms such as Snøhetta, Jarmund/Vigsnæs AS Arkitekter MNAL, and Lund Hagem Arkitekter. These firms often work on prestigious projects both domestically and internationally, ranging from residential to commercial and public spaces.
12. Ireland
Average Salary: $62,434
Ireland is one of the countries with the best interior design as it has a rich heritage of interior designing with studios like Kingston Lafferty Design and Douglas Wallace that have gained international acclaim for their innovative approach to interiors. Moreover, works such as the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, transformed by Design LSM, speak volumes about the modern design sensibilities of the designers in the country.
11. Finland
Average Salary: $63,233
Finland is a global design hub owing to its deep-rooted design culture. The country's most popular design fair, Habitare, displays the latest designs in furniture, lighting, and material innovation and thus, attracts international visitors which promotes Finland as a design destination.
10. Iceland
Average Salary: $63,493
Iceland's small population ensures a tight-knit design community, that allows for collaboration and exchange of ideas in the industry. The average salary for interior designers in the country is $63,493, ranking it 10th on our list of the highest paying countries for interior designers.
9. Australia
Average Salary: $64,700
In Australia, the field of interior design is highly stable and is growing steadily. Currently, there are 17,400 interior designers employed, with a projected growth rate of 19.1% in the coming years. The majority of these professionals, about 63%, work full-time, earning a median weekly income of $1,586. Notably, women dominate the industry, comprising 76% of the workforce, with the average age of interior designers being 38 years.
With an average salary as high as $64,700, Australia is one of the countries that pay interior designers the most.
8. Netherlands
Average Salary: $64,722
The Netherlands places a premium on interior design as the Dutch culture highly values aesthetics and functionality in living spaces. As a result, there's a strong demand for skilled interior designers who can create spaces that not only look beautiful but also enhance the functionality and comfort of homes and workplaces.
Moreover, the Netherlands has a thriving design industry and is known for its innovation and creativity in various design fields, including interior design. This vibrant industry attracts top talent and drives competition, leading to higher pay for interior designers who possess the expertise and vision to meet the discerning tastes of Dutch clients. Netherlands is also one of the countries that produce the best architects.
7. Austria
Average Salary: $65,000
In Austria, several important companies and institutions contribute largely to the field of interior design. Among them are Bene, JAB Anstoetz, and Rolf Benz. Moreover, universities such as the University of Applied Arts Vienna and the New Design University in St. Pölten offer esteemed programs in interior architecture and design.
With an average salary of $65,000, Austria is one of the top 10 highest paying countries for interior designers.
6. Germany
Average Salary: $67,278
The luxury interior design market in Germany is thriving, with key players like Gensler, Gold Mantis, and HOK leading the industry. The market is segmented into residential and commercial applications, with a focus on newly decorated and repeated decorated spaces. Germany is also one of the countries that produce the best fashion designers.
