Interior Design salaries
in New York - 2026
Based on data from 3,000+ active job vacancies, 1,890 survey respondents and insights from 65 recruitment experts.
Architecture and Design
Salary Calculator 2026
Is your salary keeping pace with the market?
Enter your role, location, and salary to benchmark yourself against the 2026 Architecture & Design market.
How much do interior designers earn in New York?
The average salary for an interior designer in New York is $123,000 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 $120,000 to $130,000, Directors of Design earn $150,000 to $210,000, and Principals earn $180,000 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.
New York 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) | $65,000 | $76,000 | $85,000 | |
| Interior Architect (4-7 yrs) | $90,000 | $109,000 | $120,000 | |
| Interior Architect (8+ yrs) | $100,000 | $120,000 | $130,000 | |
| Interior Designer (0-3 yrs) | $65,000 | $76,000 | $85,000 | |
| Interior Designer (4-7 yrs) | $80,000 | $105,000 | $115,000 | |
| Interior Designer (8-11 yrs) | $120,000 | $122,000 | $130,000 | |
| Interior Designer (12+ yrs) | $125,000 | $140,000 | $160,000 | |
| Project Manager | $90,000 | $105,000 | $130,000 | |
| FF&E Specialist | $90,000 | $110,000 | $125,000 | |
| Director of Design / Studio Director | $150,000 | $175,000 | $210,000 | |
| Principal | $180,000 | $210,000 | $250,000 |
Source: Bespoke Careers 2026 Salary Guide.
The interior design career path in New York
Average base salary by seniority.
Average base salaries in USD, excluding bonus.
How New York 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 New York interior design salaries in 2026
Entry level
Interior Designers and Interior Architects at 0-3 years average $76,000, the strongest US entry point, ahead of LA at $75,000 and San Francisco at $66,000.
Mid-career
Designers at 8-11 years average $122,000, well ahead of LA and San Francisco at $105,000 to $107,000. Interior Architects at 4-7 years average $109,000 and FF&E Specialists $110,000.
Senior
Designers at 12+ years average $140,000 and Interior Architects at 8+ years $120,000. This is where New York’s lead over the California markets is widest.
Leadership
Directors of Design and Studio Directors average $175,000 with a top of $210,000, and Principals average $210,000 with a top of $250,000 - level with LA and San Francisco at the very top.
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 New York?
The average salary for an Interior Designer in New York is approximately $123,000 per year. Entry-level designers (0-3 yrs) earn around $76,000, rising to $105,000 to $122,000 at mid-career. Directors of Design and Studio Directors average $175,000, with Principals reaching $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 New York?
Interior designers in New York typically earn more at larger studios, thanks to structured pay and higher-profile 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 New York?
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 New York?
Luxury residential, high-end hospitality, and commercial interior design typically offer the highest salaries in New York, particularly for senior designers, FF&E specialists and studio directors working on prestige projects.
Do interior designers in New York receive bonuses or additional benefits?
Many interior design roles in New York offer bonuses or commissions on top of base salaries, especially for senior and director-level positions. See our full New York benefits benchmark for medical, 401k matching and paid time off by tier.
How do salaries for interior designers in New York compare to other US cities?
Interior designers in New York earn among the highest salaries in the US, reflecting the city's high cost of living and concentration of luxury and high-end design studios. Salaries are typically above Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin and most other major markets, particularly at senior and principal level.
Explore more
Hiring in New York
? Or looking for a job?
We connect exceptional firms with talented professionals across London and beyond.
Whether you're looking to hire or explore new career opportunities, let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your goals. Get in touch with the team today.
Benchmark your salary in 30 seconds
See how your pay compares against the 2026 market for your exact role, and get your results by email.