About a Career in Interior Designing

The job outlook for many careers is looking bleak (to say the least). However, it seems that those with a career in interior designing have a promising job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the job outlook for interior designers is expected to increase by 19% by 2016. If you have a passion for decorating, creativity and long for a career that has staying power throughout the economic crisis, a career in interior designing may be ideal for you.

Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Postsecondary education, especially a bachelor's degree, is recommended for entry-level positions in interior design." Interior design is not a career field that you can just jump into. As mentioned above, to be considered to an entry level position in interior design, you will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Graduates who hold a bachelor's degree are considered desirable candidates for an apprenticeship program. Graduates with an Associate's degree are generally considered for assistant positions and may take several years to move up to an apprenticeship within a company.

What's the Work Like?

Interior designers are hired for their creativity, talent and ability to take a clients vision and make it come to life. New interior designers must keep in mind that the client's vision comes before their own. Even if an interior designer thinks that a country western living room would look horrendous in a chic-modern-city-loft, they must put their professional opinion aside and find a way to make their clients vision work in the space. Interior designers are not limited to working on residential properties. Interior designers can hold careers as set designers for television shows, movies and music videos; window display and show room designers for major retail stores, designers and boutiques and as commercial interior designers for retail stores and boutiques.

What's the Pay like?

Salaries for interior designers vary greatly. According to Payscale.com, the salaries for interior designers range from $32,216 to $49,571. Interior designers with less than one year of experience have an average salary of $32,216. Interior designers with one to four years of experience have an average salary of $36,487. Interior designers with five to nine years of experience have are paid an average salary of $45,291. Interior designers with ten to nineteen years of experience average an annual salary of $46,287. And last but not least, interior designers with over twenty years of experience average an annual salary of $49,571.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Interior Designers Occupational Handbook"
Payscale.com: "Interior Designer Salaries"