10 Highest Paying Countries for Interior Designing Jobs: Top Companies & Avg Salary

Career
08 Jul 2024
13 mins read
Written by pranit

The highest-paying countries for interior designing jobs are Switzerland, Luxembourg, the USA, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Germany.

 

These countries offer diverse career options due to their advanced real estate markets, robust economies and significant value placed on creative and innovative interior design. The compensation offered in these countries best matches the skills and experience demanded within the interior design industry. 

 

Interior designers aspiring to know how to get interior design jobs in foreign countries must primarily understand the demand, average salaries and future career prospects in some of the top countries to make a wise decision. 

 

So, here is an insight into the average interior designer’s salary in some of the highest-paying countries in the world.

Did you know?

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of interior designers is projected to grow at 4% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as other occupations[1].
  • The number of people employed in interior designing jobs in the US was 90,148 in 2022, of which 83.1% were women. This implies an annual growth rate of 17.2%, from 76,907 in 2018 to 90,148 in 2022[2].
  • The largest and fastest-growing markets for interior design are North America and Asia Pacific, respectively[3].  
  • The global interior design software market is expected to reach USD 8,668.6 million by 2025[4].
  • Over 60% of the interior designers in the United States are self-employed[5]. 

Overview: 10 Highest Paying Countries for Interior Designers

Country

Top Companies

Top Cities

Average Annual Base Salary Range for Interior Designer

Single Person Estimated Cost of Living

Switzerland

  • Upscale Interiors AG
  • Martinuzzi Interiors
  • Eb Projekt Design GmbH
  • ArchVisualisations
  • Storm Architects 

Zurich

Dubendorf

Basel

Average: CHF 1,00,000

Low: CHF 85,000

High: CHF 1,25,000

CHF 1,477.2

(USD 1,670)

Luxembourg

  • Emeline Interiors
  • Live Touch
  • CC Concept
  • Harriet Aylwin Interiors
  • Limited Edition

Luxembourg

Average: EUR 75,593

Low: EUR 53,747

High: EUR 91,392

EUR 946.3

(USD 1,017.4)

United States of America

  • Gensler
  • Jacobs
  • Perkins&Will
  • AECOM
  • HOK

San Francisco

Dallas

Chicago

Dallas

St.Louis

Average: USD 70,057

Low: USD 55,000

High: USD 1,00,000

USD 1,169

Denmark

  • COBE
  • Arrow Architects
  • Wonderland Creative Agency

Copenhagen

Average: DKK 457,300

Low: DKK 246,500

High: DKK 691,200

DKK 8,067.8

(USD 1,162.8)

Norway

  • Snohetta
  • ACR Villa Skovly
  • Florentz Design
  • Orseng Interiorarkitektur
  • Luxbostyle

Oslo

Average: NOK 661,443 

Low: NOK 470,286

High: NOK 799,684

NOK 12,838.9

(USD 1,216.5)

Australia

  • Carr
  • Bates Smart
  • Hassell
  • Woods Bagot
  • SJB Interiors

Melbourne

Perth

Sydney

Average: AUD 85,000

Low: AUD 75,000

High: AUD 1,05,000

AUD 1668.3

(USD 1,105.5)

Canada

  • Bujou Studios
  • CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design
  • Cutler
  • NIVEK REMAS
  • Tardigrada Design Studio

Calgary

Edmonton

Vancouver

Toronto

Average: CAD 60,450

Low: CAD 48,750

High: CAD 80,002

CAD 1,446.10 (USD 1,052.2)

New Zealand

  • Studio DB
  • Canterbury Office Furniture
  • Chambers Design
  • Cozy Tilling
  • Spaceworks Design Group

Auckland

Christchurch

Timaru

Average: NZD 65,994

Low:  NZD 48,000

High: NZD 86,000

NZD 1,676.5

(USD 1,028.5)

Netherlands

  • Storm Architects
  • The Art of Living
  • VERO
  • Haco Groep
  • Powerhouse Company

Amsterdam

Eersel

Rotterdam

Average: EUR 36,318

Low: EUR 20,000

High: EUR 52,000

EUR 956.9

(USD 1,027.3)

Germany

  • HILLWIRED
  • Render Vision
  • Format 3D
  • Ziegert EverEstate GmbH
  • Ancona Grupa

Koln

Berlin

Rosenheim

Munich

Offenbach

Average: EUR 36,159

Low: EUR 26,000

High: EUR 56,000

EUR 979

(USD 1,051.1)

 

Source:

 

Salaries: https://www.talent.com/salary?job=interior+designer

https://worldsalaries.com/average-interior-designer-salary-in-denmark/

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/interior-designer/luxembourg

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/interior-designer/norway

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/interior-designer/denmark

https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=interior+designer

https://ch.talent.com/en/salary?job=designer#

https://payscale.com

 

Cost of Living: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Note: 

The cost of living includes average transportation costs and basic amenities like food and grocery bills, excluding rent.

10 Highest Paying Countries for Interior Designers

 
1. Switzerland – Avg Salary (CHF 1,00,000)

Switzerland has a well-established and strong economy, making high living standards a way of life. It also offers a secure environment and is one of the best countries for interior designers’ career growth and development. 

 

Interior designers are well-compensated with salaries and other benefits as compared to other countries in the world. Many international companies operate in English, providing aspiring interior designers with broader job opportunities. 

 

The average salary for an interior designer based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – An interior designer in Switzerland can earn CHF 85,000 annually.
  • Experienced Professionals – An interior designer can earn CHF 1,25,000 per year. 
 
2. Luxembourg – Avg Salary (EUR 75,593)

Luxembourg boasts a robust real estate market, providing a wide range of job opportunities. It is home to some of the best companies that have established clear competence in interior design.

 

These companies prioritise current trends and sustainability, encouraging interior designers to explore innovative design solutions and advanced technologies.

 

The average salary for an interior designer based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – An interior designer in Luxembourg can earn EUR 53,747 annually.
  • Experienced Professionals – Interior designers at senior level positions can earn EUR 91,392 per year. 
 
3. USA – Avg Salary (USD 70,057)

The United States of America is one of the highest-paying countries for interior designers. About 9,000 job openings are anticipated yearly from 2022-2032, arising from replacing workers who shift to other occupations or retire. 

 

This reflects the demand for extensive job opportunities for aspiring interior designers. 

 

In addition, the diverse market in the United States allows interior designers to access different types of projects, from residential to commercial, improving their skills and portfolio.

 

The average salary for an interior designer based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designersdesigner with less than 1 year of experience can earn USD 55,000 annually.
  • Experienced Professionals – Interior designers with 10+ years of experience can earn USD 1,00,702 per year. 

 

Also read: How to get a job in the USA.

 
4. Denmark – Avg Salary (DKK 528,524)

Danish interior design is renowned globally for its functional quality and elegant minimalism. It is also celebrated for its clean colour palettes that enhance the ambience and evoke a refreshing sensation.

 

This global admiration opens up wide-ranging international job opportunities for interior designers in Denmark, creating dynamic career growth and development.

 

The average interior designer’s salary based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers in Denmark with less than 2 years of experience can earn DKK 288,100 per year. 
  • Experienced Professionals – Interior designers with 10+ years of experience can earn DKK 562,200 annually. 
 
5. Norway – Avg Salary (NOK 661,443)

Norway’s economy has secured the 10th position and is considered “mostly free”, according to the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom. It is ranked 5th out of 44 countries in the European region. 

 

This economic stability and freedom have created a favourable environment for various business organisations, including interior designers to expand, innovate, and thrive in a competitive market.

 

The average salary for an interior designer based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers in Norway can earn NOK 470,286 per year. 
  • Experienced Professionals – Interior designers in senior positions can earn NOK 799,684 annually. 
 
6. Australia – Avg Salary (AUD 85,000)

Australia has seen remarkable growth in the interior design industry in recent years. It offers diverse career opportunities ranging from residential, commercial and sustainable interior designers to kitchen, furniture and set designers.

 

Building a strong portfolio, gaining work experience, specialising in a particular field and networking with industry peers can help access the best job opportunities for interior designers and accelerate career development.

 

The average salary for an interior designer’s salary based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers looking forward to applying for entry-level positions in Australia can earn AUD 75,000 annually. 
  • Experienced Professionals – Experienced interior designers applying for higher positions can earn up to AUD 1,05,000 annually. 

 

Also read: How to get a job in Australia.

 

7. Canada – Avg Salary (CAD 60,450)

Canada is one of the sought-after destinations for a career in interior design jobs abroad. It has some of the best companies offering diverse opportunities for freshers and experienced individuals to explore, learn and earn. 

 

Between 2022 and 2031, the interior design industry is projected to see 10,100 new job openings due to replacement and expansion, with an expected 8,600 new job seekers entering the field to meet this demand.

 

The average salary for an interior designer’s salary based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers seeking entry-level positions in Canada can earn CAD 48,750 annually. 
  • Experienced Professionals – Experienced interior designers securing higher positions can earn up to CAD 80,002 annually. 

 

Also Read: 5 Steps to Get a Job in Canada.

 

8. New Zealand – Avg Salary (NZD 65,994)

Driven by a booming real estate sector, New Zealand’s dynamic interior design industry has emerged as a hub of creative excellence and innovation. There has been a general upward trend in the salaries offered to both general and specialised interior designers.

 

Aspiring applicants can choose between diverse Employed or Self-Employed jobs for interior designing in New Zealand. While self-employed interior designers benefit from freedom and flexibility, building strong client relationships and diverse projects, employed interior designers experience a structured environment, learning opportunities and less administrative and financial responsibilities.

 

The average salary for an interior designer’s salary based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers with less than 1 year of experience can earn NZD 46,518 annually. 
  • Experienced Professionals – Interior designers with 10+ years of experience can earn NZD 71,221 annually. 
 
9. Netherlands – Avg Salary (EUR 36,318)

The Netherlands is renowned for its creative, innovative and sustainable design practices. It effortlessly blends modern and traditional design elements, creating a stimulating environment for aspiring designers to explore and implement advanced concepts and technologies.

 

In addition, the Netherlands’ inclusive society, high standard of living and emphasis on work-life balance make it an ideal place for interior designers seeking personal and professional fulfilment. 

 

The average salary for an interior designer’s salary based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers with 1 to 4 years of experience can earn EUR 31,508 annually.
  • Experienced Professionals – Senior interior designers with 10+ years of experience can earn EUR 43,488 annually. 
10. Germany – Avg Salary (EUR 36,159)

Germany boasts a rich architectural heritage and a dynamic design industry. Emphasising sustainable construction, renewable energy, and digitalisation, it offers expanding career opportunities for architects, urban planners, and interior designers. 

 

Prospective interior designers with the right education, work permits, visas, and German language skills can pursue a lucrative long-term career.

 

The average interior designer’s salary based on experience is:

  • Entry-level – Interior designers with less than 1 year of experience can earn EUR 24,630 annually. 
  • Experienced Professionals – Interior designers with 10+ years of experience can earn EUR 50,000 annually. 

 

Also read: How to get a job in Germany.

 

Country-wise Salary of Interior Designers around the World

Interior Designers Salary

 

Country

Average Salary 

Salary (in ~ USD)

Switzerland

CHF 1,00,000

1,13,099.80

Luxembourg

EUR 75,593

81,233.77

United States of America

USD 70,057

70,057.00

Denmark

DKK 528,524

65,865.83

Norway

NOK 661,443

62,589.83

Australia

AUD 85,000

56,668.90

Canada

CAD 60,450

44,087.21

New Zealand

NZD 65,994

40,476.10

Netherlands

EUR 36,318

39,024.85

Germany

EUR 36,159

38,855.15

 

Note: The above table depicts the average salaries for interior designers in the top 10 countries. All the currencies have been converted to USD (for creating graphs). 

Sources:

https://www.talent.com/salary?job=interior+designer.

https://worldsalaries.com/average-interior-designer-salary-in-denmark/

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/interior-designer/luxembourg

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/interior-designer/norway

https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/interior-designer/denmark

https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=interior+designer

https://ch.talent.com/en/salary?job=designer.

https://payscale.com

 

Conversion as of 19th June 2024 at 18:30 HRS IST.

 

Currency conversion source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/

Other Emerging Countries for Interior Design Jobs

We have discussed the average salaries for some of the highest-paying countries for interior design jobs. Here are a few other emerging countries with high demand for interior design jobs abroad.  

  • Belgium
  • Austria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Finland
  • Spain
  • UK
  • Russia
  • Qatar

Different types of Interior Design jobs

 

Types of Interior Design Jobs

Average Annual Salary (USD)

Accessibility Consultant

123,663

Federal Government Interior Designer

93,320

Design Consultant

95,477

Sustainability Consultant

89,272

Project Manager

89,039

Healthcare Designer

81,440

Corporate Interior Designer

79,810

Landscape Architect

78,213

Educator

72,432

Set Designers

67,170

Visual Merchandiser

62,745

Kitchen Designer

62,614

Residential Interior Designer

59,230

Interior Design Writer

57,052

Architectural Interior Designer

77,480

 

Note: The above table illustrates the national average salary for the United States of America.

 

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/high-paying-interior-design-jobs

Finding Interior Design Jobs Overseas: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
  • Research the interior design market in various countries and understand the demand, top companies, lifestyle and career growth. This will help aspirants access the right opportunities based on their potential and local trends.
  • Keep up with current trends and technologies, engage in innovative projects, and compile your work to build a robust portfolio. Some of the highest-paying companies for interior design jobs overseas seek skilled and experienced professionals for their projects.
  • Communication is key to showcasing talents in a specialised role. Gain proficiency in the local language, learn to communicate and integrate better into the workplace.
  • Join professional networks, discuss in social forums, attend industry events and connect with professionals worldwide. It is necessary for those seeking interior design jobs in foreign countries for freshers.
Don’ts
  • Don’t delay your visa and work permit applications. They can be time-consuming, requiring ample time to gather all necessary documents.
  • Don’t ignore the cost of living. Relocating and settling can be expensive and will need proper financial planning. 

Before you go…

The dynamic and diverse landscape of the interior design industry offers wide-ranging job opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide. Aspiring interior designers looking forward to international job opportunities should research the demand, average salaries and higher earning potential in the long term to take advantage of the emerging trends and technologies in some of the highest-paying countries in the world.

 

As you decide and plan your relocation to a foreign destination, you will need a reliable money transfer platform, such as Instarem.

 

Instarem utilises some of the most advanced technologies to offer a quick*, affordable@ and transparent platform for managing financial transactions while abroad. This is crucial when you need a reliable way to send money to your family who are far away.

 

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FAQs 

Q. Which country pays the most for interior designers?

Switzerland (Average Salary – CHF 1,00,000) pays the highest salary for an interior designer. Some of the other highest-paying countries are Luxembourg (Average Salary – EUR 75,593), the USA (Average Salary – USD 70,057), Denmark (Average Salary – DKK 457,300) and Norway (Average Salary – NOK 661,443).

 

Q. Which field is best for interior design?

Becoming an Accessibility Consultant(Average Salary – USD 123,663), Design Consultant(Average Salary – USD 95,477) and Sustainability Consultant (Average Salary – USD 89,272) can fetch higher salaries and are considered the best in interior designing jobs. If you are moving to the US, becoming a Federal Government Interior Designer (Average Salary – USD 93,320) can also help you earn a higher salary.

 

Q. Which is the best country for interior designer jobs for Indians?

The best country for interior designer jobs for Indians will depend on their individual career goals, lifestyle and competency. Some of the highest-paying countries for interior designers are Switzerland(Average Salary – CHF 1,00,000), Luxembourg (Average Salary – EUR 75,593), and the USA(Average Salary – USD 70,057).

 

Q. Is interior design a good career in 2024?

Interior design will be a lucrative career in 2024 due to the increasing demand for personalised spaces and sustainable design practices. This will create numerous job opportunities for skilled and creative professionals, ensuring job relevance and satisfaction. 

 

Q. What is the interior designer’s salary abroad per month?

The average interior designer’s salary abroad per month varies between countries. For example, the average monthly salary in Switzerland is CHF 8,333.33, and that in Luxembourg is EUR 6,299.41.

 

 

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10 Highest Paying Countries for Psychologists

10 Highest Paying Countries for Pharmacists

10 Best Countries for Chartered Accountant Jobs

10 Best Countries for Software Engineers

10 Best Countries for Mechanical Engineers

10 best countries for IT jobs for Indians

10 Best countries for civil engineering jobs for Indians

 

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

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@ When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

 

Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites between 18th June 2024 and 19th June 2024 and are subject to change.

 

Citations:

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