Interior Design salaries
in Austin - 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
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How much do interior designers earn in Austin?
The average salary for an interior designer in Austin is $105,000 per year in 2026. Interior Designers at 0-3 years start between $55,000 and $85,000, mid-career designers at 8-11 years earn $88,000 to $125,000, Directors of Design earn $110,000 to $180,000, and Principals earn $130,000 to $230,000. Texas has no state income tax. All figures are USD base salaries excluding bonus.
Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
Austin interior design salary table 2026
Base annual salaries in USD, excluding bonus. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding bonus.
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Architect (0-3 yrs) | $57,000 | $66,000 | $75,000 | |
| Interior Architect (4-7 yrs) | $70,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 | |
| Interior Architect (8+ yrs) | $95,000 | $110,000 | $125,000 | |
| Interior Designer (0-3 yrs) | $55,000 | $73,000 | $85,000 | |
| Interior Designer (4-7 yrs) | $75,000 | $89,000 | $108,000 | |
| Interior Designer (8-11 yrs) | $88,000 | $105,000 | $125,000 | |
| Interior Designer (12+ yrs) | $110,000 | $124,000 | $138,000 | |
| Interior Project Manager | $85,000 | $98,000 | $140,000 | |
| FF&E Specialist | $78,000 | $92,000 | $108,000 | |
| Director of Design | $110,000 | $135,000 | $180,000 | |
| Principal | $130,000 | $180,000 | $230,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
The interior design career path in Austin
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries in USD, excluding bonus.
How Austin compares
Average base salary for the same level across the major US markets we benchmark. Remember Texas has no state income tax.
Base annual salaries in USD from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping Austin interior design salaries in 2026
Entry level
Interior Designers at 0-3 years average $73,000, ahead of San Francisco and level with New York and LA. Interior Architects start slightly lower at $66,000.
Mid-career
Designers at 8-11 years average $105,000, level with LA and San Francisco and behind only New York. FF&E Specialists earn $92,000 and Interior Project Managers $98,000.
Senior
Designers at 12+ years average $124,000 and Interior Architects at 8+ years $110,000. Directors of Design average $135,000 with a top of $180,000.
Leadership
Principals average $180,000 with a top of $230,000. That top figure is competitive with the coastal markets, and no state income tax means it stretches further in Austin.
Get the full 2026 Salary Guide
105 roles across 11 locations, hiring trends for every market, and practical advice for your next pay conversation. Built from 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and insight from 65 recruitment experts. Free to download.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an interior designer in Austin?
The average salary for an Interior Designer in Austin is approximately $105,000 per year. Entry-level Interior Designers (0-3 yrs) earn around $73,000, rising to $105,000 at mid-career. Directors of Design average $135,000 and Principals can earn up to $180,000 on average.
How is the interior design salary data collected?
Our salary data draws on input from over 1,890 survey respondents, 1,200 recent placements, 3,000 job listings and insight from 65 recruitment experts.
Do interior designers earn more at large or small studios in Austin?
Interior designers in Austin typically earn more at larger studios, thanks to structured pay and bigger projects. But smaller practices offer broader experience, closer director access, more design influence and faster progression. Pay might be lower, but the hands-on exposure and autonomy can outweigh the difference, especially early in your career.
Are contractors paid more than permanent interior designers in Austin?
Yes. Contract roles often pay 5-10% more than permanent ones. To find out more about contracting head here.
Which interior design sectors pay the most in Austin?
Commercial, hospitality, and high-end residential sectors often offer higher salaries than other project types. FF&E specialists and Director of Design roles are particularly well compensated, especially at senior level.
Do interior designers in Austin receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many interior design roles in Austin offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions. See our full Austin benefits benchmark for medical, 401k matching and paid time off by tier.
How do salaries for interior designers in Austin compare to other US cities?
Interior designers in Austin earn competitive salaries relative to most US cities, with the added benefit of no state income tax in Texas. Salaries are typically below New York and San Francisco but comparable to Dallas and Houston, and lower living costs mean take-home pay goes further.
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