Interior Design salaries
in Los Angeles - 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
Architecture and Design
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How much do interior designers earn in Los Angeles?
The average salary for an interior designer in Los Angeles is $120,000 per year in 2026. Interior Designers at 0-3 years start between $65,000 and $85,000, mid-career designers at 8-11 years earn $95,000 to $125,000, Directors of Design earn $130,000 to $220,000, and Principals earn $155,000 to $250,000. All figures are USD base salaries excluding bonus.
Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
Los Angeles 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) | $60,000 | $65,000 | $75,000 | |
| Interior Architect (4-7 yrs) | $75,000 | $85,000 | $95,000 | |
| Interior Architect (8+ yrs) | $90,000 | $110,000 | $130,000 | |
| Interior Designer (0-3 yrs) | $65,000 | $75,000 | $85,000 | |
| Interior Designer (4-7 yrs) | $70,000 | $85,000 | $95,000 | |
| Interior Designer (8-11 yrs) | $95,000 | $105,000 | $125,000 | |
| Interior Designer (12+ yrs) | $115,000 | $135,000 | $150,000 | |
| Project Manager | $90,000 | $105,000 | $130,000 | |
| FF&E Specialist | $85,000 | $105,000 | $120,000 | |
| Director of Design / Studio Director | $130,000 | $155,000 | $220,000 | |
| Principal | $155,000 | $210,000 | $250,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
The interior design career path in Los Angeles
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries in USD, excluding bonus.
How Los Angeles compares
Average base salary for the same level across the three major US markets we benchmark.
Base annual salaries in USD from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping Los Angeles interior design salaries in 2026
Entry level
Interior Designers at 0-3 years earn $65,000 to $85,000, averaging $75,000. That is $9,000 ahead of San Francisco, within $1,000 of New York, and ahead of LA architecture at the same stage.
Mid-career
Designers at 8-11 years average $105,000, level with San Francisco at $107,000 but well behind New York at $122,000. FF&E Specialists match them at $105,000, and Project Managers average the same again.
Senior
Designers at 12+ years average $135,000. Interior Architects at 8+ years average $110,000, showing the premium the designer track carries at senior level in this market.
Leadership
Directors of Design average $155,000 with a top of $220,000, and Principals average $210,000 with a top of $250,000 - exactly level with New York and San Francisco. Interior design principals out-earn architecture leadership in LA.
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 Los Angeles?
The average salary for an Interior Designer in Los Angeles is approximately $120,000 per year. Entry-level Interior Designers (0-3 yrs) earn around $75,000, rising to $105,000 at mid-career. Directors of Design average $155,000 and Principals can earn up to $210,000 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 Los Angeles?
Interior designers in Los Angeles typically earn more at larger studios, thanks to structured pay and higher-profile projects. But smaller firms offer broader experience, closer director access, more creative 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 Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles?
Luxury residential, hospitality, and high-end commercial sectors tend to offer the highest salaries in Los Angeles. FF&E specialist and Director-level roles are particularly well-compensated, with Directors of Design earning $130,000-$220,000 and Principals up to $250,000.
Do interior designers in Los Angeles receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many interior design roles in Los Angeles offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior and director-level positions. See our full Los Angeles benefits benchmark for medical, 401k matching and paid time off by tier.
How do salaries for interior designers in Los Angeles compare to other US cities?
Interior designers in Los Angeles earn among the highest salaries in the US, reflecting the city’s high cost of living and strong demand across luxury residential, hospitality and entertainment sectors. Salaries are broadly comparable to New York, though package structures may differ.
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