Money matters. If you are considering a career in interior decorating, you want to know what you can realistically earn. The average interior decorator salary varies widely depending on location, experience, and how you structure your business. Let us break it all down.
Interior Decorator Salary Overview
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Equivalent |
| Entry Level (0–2 years) | $28,000 – $40,000 | $13 – $19/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years) | $45,000 – $65,000 | $22 – $31/hr |
| Senior Level (8+ years) | $70,000 – $100,000+ | $34 – $48/hr |
| Self-Employed / Owner | $60,000 – $150,000+ | Varies by project |
The average salary for interior decorator professionals in the U.S. sits around $50,000 to $55,000 per year, based on 2026-2026 data. However, location dramatically shifts this number. A decorator in Manhattan or Los Angeles can easily earn double what a decorator in a rural area makes.
How Much Does an Interior Decorator Make Per Hour?
How much does an interior decorator make per hour? The national average falls between $25 and $50 per hour for employed decorators. Self-employed decorators who charge clients directly often earn $75 to $300+ per hour, depending on their specialty and market.
How Much Does a Interior Decorator Make a Year?
So how much does a interior decorator make a year? Here is the breakdown by state:
- New York: $65,000 – $90,000
- California: $60,000 – $85,000
- Texas: $45,000 – $65,000
- Florida: $42,000 – $60,000
- Georgia: $40,000 – $58,000
- National Average: $50,000 – $55,000
The question how much does an interior decorator make a year also depends on whether you are salaried at a firm, working independently, or running your own decorating studio. Independent decorators with strong client bases often outperform salaried positions significantly.
How Much Money Does an Interior Decorator Make?
How much money does an interior decorator make is ultimately tied to hustle, niche, and network. Decorators who specialize — in luxury homes, model home staging, or commercial interiors — tend to earn more than generalists. Those who add revenue streams like e-design services, online courses, or product affiliate partnerships can significantly boost total income.
How Much Money Does a Interior Decorator Make in Different Settings?
- Residential decorator (self-employed): $55,000 – $120,000+
- Furniture store or showroom decorator: $35,000 – $55,000
- Hotel or hospitality decorator: $50,000 – $80,000
- Home staging decorator: $40,000 – $75,000
- Commercial or retail decorator: $45,000 – $85,000
Average Salary of Interior Decorator vs. Interior Designer
The average salary of interior decorator is lower than that of a licensed interior designer, who typically earns $60,000 to $100,000+. However, the gap narrows significantly for experienced decorators with strong client lists and premium pricing.
Interior Decorator Jobs Atlanta and Other Major Markets
If you are looking at interior decorator jobs atlanta, the Atlanta market is strong due to the city’s booming real estate and renovation scene. Entry-level positions start around $35,000. Senior or specialized roles can top $80,000. The same applies to interior design and decorating jobs in other major Southern cities like Nashville, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
Interior Decorator Assistant Jobs and Starting Salaries
Interior decorator assistant jobs typically pay between $15 and $25 per hour. These entry-level roles are the most common way people break into the industry. Working as an assistant gives you on-the-job training while earning a steady income.
What Affects an Interior Decorator’s Salary?
Several key factors impact what decorators earn:
- Geographic location — major metros pay significantly more
- Years of experience — rates rise steeply after 5 years
- Specialization — luxury, commercial, or hospitality niches pay premium rates
- Client base — strong referral networks lead to consistent income
- Business model — self-employed decorators set their own rates
- Portfolio quality — a strong, visible portfolio commands higher fees
Is Interior Decorating a Good Career?
Is interior decorating a good career? For creatives who enjoy variety, flexibility, and working with people, yes. The job has strong demand, especially as home ownership rates remain high and renovation projects continue to surge post-pandemic.
Is interior decorator a good career for long-term stability? It can be — especially once you build a reputation. The biggest risk is inconsistent income in the early years. Many decorators supplement their income with teaching, online design services, or social media content creation.
Starting an Interior Decorating Business
Starting an interior decorating business and how to start an interior decorating business involve similar steps. The biggest financial consideration is whether to work from home (lower overhead) or rent a studio space (higher overhead, but professional credibility). Most decorators start home-based and scale into studio space once their income supports it.
FAQs About Interior Decorator Salary
Can interior decorators make six figures?
Yes. Experienced decorators with strong client bases in major markets regularly earn $100,000 to $200,000 or more per year, especially when they combine project fees with trade discounts.
Do interior decorators get paid more than interior designers?
Generally, no. Licensed interior designers earn more on average. However, experienced self-employed decorators can out-earn many employed designers.
Key Takeaways
- The average interior decorator salary is $50,000 to $55,000 per year nationally
- Self-employed decorators in major cities can earn $100,000+
- Specialization in luxury or commercial markets increases earning potential
- Entry-level assistant positions pay $15–$25/hour and are the best starting point
Explore career opportunities through our Interior Design resource hub.
