Do Interior Designers Make Money?

As people increasingly prioritize quality of life, interior design—a profession combining aesthetics and functionality—is gaining more recognition. A common question among those considering this career path is: Do interior designers make money? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as an interior designer’s income depends on many factors, including experience, skills, location, employment type, and the industry's overall development.

Generally speaking, interior designers have strong earning potential, especially after gaining experience and mastering key skills. Let’s explore the income situation and career prospects of interior designers from multiple perspectives.

1. Key Factors Affecting Interior Designers’ Income

Experience

Experience is one of the most critical factors influencing an interior designer’s salary. For recent graduates or those new to the industry, positions often start at entry-level roles such as design assistant or intern, with monthly salaries around 5,000 RMB or lower. As designers gain more years of experience, they become familiar with industry workflows and are able to manage projects independently, communicate effectively with clients, and take on more responsibilities, leading to significant salary increases.

Designers with over five years of experience in large cities or reputable firms typically earn between 10,000 and 20,000 RMB per month. Project managers or senior designers can earn even more, depending on their roles and responsibilities.

Skills

Skill level directly determines a designer’s competitiveness in the market. Mastery of multiple design software programs such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Photoshop, and Revit is essential in today’s design environment. Additionally, in-depth understanding of space planning, lighting design, color matching, material selection, and construction processes greatly enhances a designer’s professionalism.

Highly skilled designers can better understand client needs and offer creative and feasible solutions. This makes them more likely to secure premium clients or large-scale projects, leading to higher income.

Location

Geographic location significantly affects income. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, where the cost of living is high and clients have larger budgets, designers generally earn more than in smaller cities. In these metropolitan areas, mid-level designers can earn monthly salaries of 15,000 to 20,000 RMB or more.

In contrast, smaller cities often have lower project budgets and less client awareness of design value, which can reduce designer incomes. However, with the rise of developing cities and real estate growth, demand for professional design talent is increasing, offering new opportunities.

Employment Type

Interior designers typically work in one of three employment forms: in-house at a design company, employed by real estate or construction firms, or as freelance designers. Each has a different income structure and degree of stability.

Designers employed by companies generally receive a fixed monthly salary with possible bonuses or project commissions. Freelancers don’t have a fixed income, but once they build a stable client base or partnership network, their project-based earnings can surpass salaried employees—especially those who can independently manage large projects.

That said, freelancing comes with its own uncertainties, such as inconsistent project flow, client payment issues, and high self-management requirements. Successful freelancers must have strong discipline and business acumen.

Industry

Different sectors within the interior design field offer varied income opportunities. Residential, commercial, hospitality, office, and exhibition design are all different in budget and complexity. Among these, commercial spaces (like shopping malls, restaurants, and offices) and high-end residential projects usually offer higher budgets and compensation for designers.

Furthermore, with the growth of green building, smart homes, and senior housing sectors, interior design is increasingly incorporating sustainable and tech-integrated approaches. Designers with these cross-disciplinary skills are in high demand and command higher salaries.

2. Income Ranges for Interior Designers

General Designers

For entry-level designers, starting monthly salaries usually range between 5,000 and 8,000 RMB, depending on city, company size, and role. As skills and experience grow, so does compensation. Mid-level designers typically earn between 10,000 and 15,000 RMB per month, while senior designers or project managers can earn 20,000 RMB or more.

In many companies, commissions or performance bonuses based on project value are common, which can significantly increase earnings. Designers who complete two or three medium-sized projects per month can easily surpass the industry average.

Well-Known Designers or Designers at Top Firms

Designers employed by top-tier international or domestic firms like CCD, HBA, Gensler, or AECOM often enjoy higher salaries, structured training programs, global exposure, and better career progression opportunities.

Some designers also gain recognition through media exposure or personal branding, becoming keynote speakers, consultants, or founding their own studios. These renowned professionals can earn tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of RMB monthly, depending on their market influence and project volume.

Freelance Designers

Freelance income can be highly variable—some months may bring little income, while others may see a sudden spike. But experienced freelancers who build strong client relationships, promote their work online, and maintain high-quality output can secure steady projects and impressive earnings.

For instance, a top-tier freelancer who takes on one high-end project worth 100,000 RMB per month could net significant income even after expenses. Freelancers also have additional income opportunities from product design, soft furnishing consultancy, e-commerce partnerships, and even teaching or online courses.

3. Career Prospects for Interior Designers

Industry Trends

China’s continued urbanization and shifting consumer preferences have fueled rapid growth in the interior design industry. Whether it’s new home decoration, renovation, commercial space upgrades, or public architecture enhancements, interior designers play a crucial role.

Trends like turnkey homes, personalized customization, and lifestyle-oriented design have further driven demand for creative professionals. More consumers now seek originality and comfort in design, creating ample space for designers to grow and profit.

Tech-Driven Transformation

Technology is transforming the interior design field. Tools such as 3D modeling, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) allow clients to preview designs before construction begins, improving communication and efficiency.

Designers now need to combine artistic sensitivity with tech fluency. Staying up-to-date with software tools, automation, and new workflows is key to maintaining competitiveness.

AI-powered design tools are also emerging, streamlining repetitive tasks and allowing designers to focus more on creativity and strategic thinking—ultimately increasing value and income potential.

Entrepreneurship and Personal Branding

For designers with leadership and business skills, starting a design studio or launching a personal brand is a powerful path to growth. Attending industry events, teaching courses, or launching content on social media platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, or WeChat can attract clients and increase market exposure.

In today’s digital era, many designers use social media to showcase portfolios, share tips, and build followings, effectively monetizing their expertise and brand identity. This entrepreneurial approach opens doors to much higher earnings and greater career freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interior design is a highly professional, in-demand field with strong income potential. Although early-career designers may face challenges such as low pay and limited project experience, consistent skill development, networking, and specialization can lead to significantly higher earnings over time.

Designers who stay current with industry trends, embrace new technology, and market themselves effectively can achieve both financial and professional success. Whether employed at a firm or working independently, interior designers have the opportunity to build fulfilling, well-paying careers. More than just a job, interior design is a dynamic, long-term path worth investing in.