Interior Designer salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$80,230/ yr
$6,686 / mo · $38.57 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$50,939
Median
$80,230
Experienced
$131,768
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete1 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$50,939
- Median salary$80,230
- Experienced salary$131,768
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become an Interior Designer in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Interior Designer program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Interior Designer tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Interior Designer openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Interior Designer in California is $80,230 per year, which is $38.57 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $50,939 while experienced Interior Designers can earn up to $131,768 annually.
Next step
Find Interior Designer Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Interior Designer classes in your area.