Interior Design salaries
in Brisbane - 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 Brisbane?
The average salary for an interior designer in Brisbane is $105,000 per year in 2026. Junior designers start between $60,000 and $75,000, mid-weight designers earn $70,000 to $90,000, senior designers and project leads earn $90,000 to $130,000, and design directors earn $140,000 to $200,000. All figures are base salaries excluding superannuation.
Updated 1 July 2026. Based on 1,890 survey responses, 1,200+ placements and 3,000+ live vacancies.
Brisbane interior design salary table 2026
Base annual salaries in AUD, excluding superannuation and bonuses. Benchmark your own salary with our calculator.
Showing annual base salaries, excluding superannuation.
| Role | Low | Average | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Interior Designer (1-3 yrs) | $60,000 | $65,000 | $75,000 | |
| Mid-weight Interior Designer (4-7 yrs) | $70,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 | |
| Snr Interior Designer / Project Lead (8-10 yrs) | $90,000 | $110,000 | $130,000 | |
| Associate | $110,000 | $120,000 | $140,000 | |
| Design Director | $140,000 | $160,000 | $200,000 | |
| Stylist / Decorator | $60,000 | $70,000 | $100,000 | |
| Retail Design Manager | $110,000 | $130,000 | $150,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide, updated 1 July 2026.
The interior design career path in Brisbane
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries, excluding superannuation.
How Brisbane compares
Average base salary for the same level across Australia. Titles vary slightly between cities, so the closest equivalent is shown.
Base annual salaries from the Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
What’s shaping Brisbane interior design salaries in 2026
Juniors
Junior interior designers in Brisbane start at $60,000 to $75,000. Hospitality, retail and high-end residential fitout drive most of the entry-level demand, and lower living costs stretch that starting salary further than in Sydney.
Mid-career
Mid-weight designers with 4-7 years of experience earn $70,000 to $90,000, ahead of Sydney at the same level. Studios are competing for designers with strong documentation and FF&E specification skills.
Senior
Senior interior designers and project leads earn $90,000 to $130,000, the highest of any Australian city at this level. Hospitality, high-end residential and retail design command the strongest packages.
Leadership
Design Directors in Brisbane earn $140,000 to $200,000. Retail Design Managers are a distinctly Brisbane strength at $110,000 to $150,000, reflecting the depth of retail and hospitality work in the market.
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 Brisbane?
The average salary for an Interior Designer in Brisbane is approximately $105,000 per year. Junior Interior Designers earn around $65,000, rising to $80,000-$110,000 at mid-weight and senior level. Associates average $120,000 and Design Directors can earn up to $160,000-$200,000.
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 Brisbane?
Interior designers in Brisbane typically earn more at larger studios, thanks to structured pay and bigger projects. But smaller practices 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 Brisbane?
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 Brisbane?
Hospitality, high-end residential and retail design tend to offer the highest salaries in Brisbane. Retail Design Managers and Design Directors command some of the strongest packages, particularly at Associate level and above.
Do interior designers in Brisbane receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many interior design roles in Brisbane offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior positions. See our full Brisbane benefits benchmark for what Standard, Enhanced and Outstanding packages look like.
How do salaries for interior designers in Brisbane compare to other Australian cities?
Interior designers in Brisbane earn salaries broadly comparable to Melbourne, though typically below Sydney, which carries a higher cost-of-living premium. Brisbane’s growing hospitality and residential pipeline and lower living costs make it an increasingly attractive market for design professionals.
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