IIDA's Interior Design Compensation Report Released

Chicago, IL, February 7, 2018-The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) released largely favorable results from its Interior Design Compensation Report, an analysis of salary and benefit information that enables leaders in design to monitor the health of the industry, inform strategic business and hiring decisions, and recruit and retain top talent.

According to the report, design professionals’ salaries are on the rise; 69% of respondents report receiving a raise in 2017. With regard to the profession as a whole, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession will grow an additional five percent over the next ten years, signifying that designers and professionals in associated roles will continue to be in high demand.

Hiring managers at design firms who are challenged with recruiting and retaining talent must make a strong case for their company-beginning with a competitive annual base salary. In 2017, the average design professional reported an annual salary of $73,300, with a median of $65,000. A number of factors have an impact on this amount, including: education, professional

certifications, years of experience, and job function. Certifications and industry memberships can increase the median salary by $14,000, while a degree in architecture is especially impactful, raising the median an additional $35,000.

In addition, the survey found:

* 17% of design professionals report annual base salaries of $100,000 or more, while 10% report salaries below $40,000, a wide salary spread.

* 89% of design professionals are satisfied with their careers.

* 66% of design professionals are likely or very likely to recommend the profession to a high school or college student.

The results also indicate that the region of practice also impacts salary. Generally, design professionals in the Midwest earn the lowest median salary, while those in the Northeast region receive the highest levels of compensation.