Interior Design Jobs

Does art, design, creativity, innovation, and planning interest you? If so, you could pursue a career in interior design. This career can unleash your creativity and help you earn a handsome pay package!

The Indian interior design market is growing. With a CAGR of 14.3% from 2024 to 2030, revenue is expected to reach USD 81.2 billion by 2030 (Source).

Various factors contribute to this market growth, including rapid urbanization, government initiatives, rising incomes, and a growing population. With revenue surges in the interior design sector, the scope of employment opportunities is increasing.

Aspirants can choose from the best interior design careers with high-paying salaries. If you are also interested, read on to get an idea of interior design high-paying roles.

7 Best Interior Design Careers and Top Interior Design Salaries

Before you plan to make a career in interior design, check out the different job profiles in this sector. Make sure that you check the roles and responsibilities of these positions.

Listed below are the highest interior design job salaries. You can also check the roles and responsibilities of each job profile:

1) Lead Interior Designer

• The Lead Interior Designer manages top-priority design projects and ensures they are completed within budget and deadline.
• This role requires coordination and collaboration with other design professionals on the team, such as contractors, architects, stakeholders, and clients, to understand their requirements.
• Lead Interior Designers deliver innovative, high-quality interior spaces. They are experts at handling multiple projects and delivering the best results for all projects.
• The average annual salary of a Lead Interior Designer in India is approximately INR 12 LPA. The salary range is INR 4.8 LPA to INR 36 LPA, depending on the experience and expertise of the professional.

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2) Principal Designer

• One of the highest-paying interior design jobs is that of a Principal Designer.
• Principal Designers play a critical role in managing and executing various high-profile interior design projects. They also conduct client meetings to understand clients' preferences and requirements.
• A Principal Designer must combine technical knowledge, creativity, and project management skills to excel in this position.
• In addition to creating detailed design plans and collaborating with contractors and architects, these professionals oversee the execution of the design concepts.
• They also help identify the latest interior design trends and try to implement them in ongoing and future projects.
• A Principal Designer in India draws an average annual salary of INR 15 LPA. The salary of these professionals ranges from INR 6.5 LPA to INR 41.1 LPA.

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3) Set Designer/Production Designer

• Among the best interior design careers is that of a Set Designer. In the entertainment industry, these professionals are in high demand for designing television, film, and theater sets. They create and set up a visually attractive environment, working with producers and directors.
• Set Designers combine technical expertise and artistic creativity to enhance the visual storytelling of the production.
• In addition to conceptualizing set designs, these professionals select the best furniture, props, and other set decorations.
• Resource and budget management is another crucial responsibility of Set Designers.
• The average annual salary of such professionals is approximately INR 6.6 LPA, with a salary range of around INR 2.4 LPA to INR 11 LPA.

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4) Residential Interior Designer

• If you are looking for the highest-paying interior design jobs, there is no better alternative than Residential Interior Designers. These designers design apartments, homes, and private living spaces.
• Most of these designers collaborate directly with the homeowners to understand their lifestyles, personal tastes, preferences, and budgets.
• These professionals use their creativity and innovation in interior decor, from space plans, color schemes, and furniture to decor, finishes, and fabrics.
• Residential Interior Designers earn an average annual salary of INR 4.2 LPA. Freshers in this designation earn approximately INR 1 LPA, while experienced professionals earn almost INR 6.6 LPA.

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5) Design Director

• In the interior design hierarchy, Design Directors hold the top position. They also earn the highest interior design job salaries and have the highest designation.
• These professionals manage and supervise the execution and creative direction of interior design projects, keeping the client’s goals and vision in mind.
• Design Directors act as mentors for junior designers.
• The average annual salary of a Design Director in India is approximately INR 22.7 LPA. Depending on their experience and expertise, the salary range for these professionals is between INR 6 LPA and INR 72 LPA.

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6) Retail Store Designer

• Retail environments must be attractive and functional at the same time. A Retail Store Designer creates such an ambiance for a better shopping experience. A good-looking retail store also boosts sales and revenues.
• When designing retail store interiors, the designer has to consider factors like customer flow, brand identity, and product placement demands.
• The designer meets with the retail clients to understand the merchandising goals and branding. The design concepts should include visually appealing displays, signage, and fixtures to grab the customers’ attention.
• One of the best interior design careers, a Retail Store Designer has an average annual salary of approximately INR 8.3 LPA. The salary range for these professionals is between INR 3 LPA and INR 11.4 LPA.

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7) Furniture Designer

• Furniture is an integral part of interior design and decor. Furniture Designers have expertise in designing and creating custom furniture for residential and commercial establishments that is in sync with the interiors of the space.
• With a thorough understanding of design trends, materials, and ergonomics, these professionals make furniture that is not only beautiful but also functional.
• They also have great knowledge of various manufacturing processes, which helps them make feasible products.
• Furniture Designers are in high demand in India. The average annual salary that these professionals draw is approximately INR 4.2 LPA. The salary range of these professionals is in the range of INR 0.5 LPA to INR 11.3 LPA.

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Conclusion

Interior design is a dynamic sector where candidates can have the best interior design careers in profiles like Commercial and Residential Interior Designer, Retail Store Designer, Principal Designer, Design Director, etc. Interior design job salaries for such profiles are also high.

As an aspiring interior designer, you must have creativity and innovation as primary skills coupled with technical expertise. With experience and enhanced knowledge, you will soon be promoted to interior design high-paying roles.

The ITM Institute of Design and Media offers a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design course. The 4-year full-time program prepares candidates for the dynamic interior design world, where functionality, practicality, creativity, and innovation are the main pillars.

Apply now to enroll for the course!

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the responsibility of a residential interior designer?

The main responsibility of a residential interior designer is to make a home or residential space aesthetically beautiful, safe, and functional. They use various decorative and essential items to enhance design.

2) What is the minimum eligibility to pursue a course in interior design?

The minimum eligibility to pursue a course in interior design is passing Class 12 Board exams in any stream. There is no particular cut-off percentage to be eligible for this course.

3) What are some of the areas which the interior design industry covers?

The most common and popular areas that the interior design industry covers include\

• Commercial design
• Residential design
• Sustainable design
• Event design
• Lighting design
• Hospitality design
• Fixtures and furniture design

4) What is the future of interior design?

Interior design has evolved as a full-time profession for many. Along with aesthetics, interior design also covers practicality and functionality in today's world. With the growing interior design market, this industry’s bright future holds a lot of potential.