Interior Architect Salary in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

What Does an Interior Architect Do?

Interior architects blend the art of interior design with the technical skill of architecture. Unlike traditional interior designers, interior architects often work on structural elements of a building’s interior — including walls, lighting plans, and spatial layouts — to create both aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.

Understanding an interior architect salary is essential for anyone considering a career in this dynamic field. Whether you're a student, a career changer, or a professional looking to specialize in interior design architecture, knowing what to expect in terms of compensation can help you make informed decisions about education, location, and job opportunities.

Average Interior Architect Salary in 2025

United States: National Salary Ranges

In 2025, the average interior architect salary in the United States ranges from $58,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and geographic location.

• Entry-level (0–3 years): $58,000 – $70,000

• Mid-level (4–9 years): $72,000 – $90,000

• Senior-level (10+ years): $92,000 – $110,000+

Large metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago tend to offer salaries on the higher end due to demand and cost of living.

Global Salaries

Salaries for interior design and architecture professionals vary significantly worldwide:

• UK: £32,000 – £60,000 annually

• Australia: AUD 65,000 – AUD 110,000

• UAE: AED 120,000 – AED 240,000

• Canada: CAD 60,000 – CAD 95,000

These numbers reflect regional demand, economic conditions, and local licensing requirements. While the architectural interior design salary may be lower in developing countries, international firms often offer competitive expat packages.

Interior Architect vs. Architect Salaries

When comparing interior architect salary with general architect salaries, some key differences arise.

Role	Average Salary (US, 2025)
Interior Architect	$70,000 – $110,000
Licensed Architect	$80,000 – $120,000
Interior Designer (non-architect)	$50,000 – $85,000

Architects generally earn slightly more due to broader project scope and licensing requirements. However, those specializing in architectural interior design often earn comparable wages, especially in commercial or luxury residential sectors.

So if you're considering both professions, it’s worth evaluating your interests and potential for growth in either architecture and interior design salary pathways.

Factors Affecting Interior Architect Salary

Several variables influence the interior architect salary you can expect to earn in 2025.

Experience Level

Unsurprisingly, more experience means higher pay:

• Junior interior architects often start in support roles, earning less.

• Senior professionals can lead teams or run their own firms, commanding top-tier salaries.

Location

Location remains one of the most important factors. For instance:

• California, New York, and Massachusetts offer some of the highest salaries in the U.S.

• In Europe, Scandinavian countries are known for their high compensation and strong design culture.

• In Asia, cities like Singapore and Tokyo offer high-end salary potential for bilingual and experienced professionals.

Specialization

The type of projects you work on also affects your salary:

• Residential interior architects may earn less but enjoy creative freedom.

• Commercial and hospitality-focused architects typically earn more due to project complexity and budgets.

• Specialists in sustainable or smart interiors are increasingly in demand, commanding premium salaries.

Certification & Education

Holding a degree in interior architecture, combined with certifications such as NCIDQ, LEED, or WELL, can increase your market value. These credentials show that you meet industry standards in interior design and architecture.

Conclusion

Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to shift into a new creative field, understanding the interior architect salary landscape in 2025 is key to success. From location and experience to specialization and credentials, numerous factors influence your earning potential in this exciting profession.

The outlook is bright, especially for those who bring both design flair and architectural knowledge to the table. With the right strategy, your career in interior design and architecture can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore more about interior design careers and job outlook here.