Introduction
An Interior Designer is an individual involved in planning, designing and furnishing interior spaces in commercial, residential, and public places, primarily from the standpoint of safety and aesthetics. If you’re wondering what is interior design, it’s a profession that blends creativity, functionality, and spatial awareness to enhance the quality of interior environments.
In India, pay scales for interior designers per month or year reflect skills, city, specialisation, and career stage. Let’s break it down clearly for students and newcomers interested in the interior designer salary.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level in Interior Design
Interior designer salaries in India increase significantly with experience, specialization, and location—here’s how they grow at each career stage, based on evolving roles and responsibilities in the profession.
1. Entry-Level (0–2 Years): Laying the Foundation
- The salary of interior designer per month for a fresh graduate is Rs. 20,000- Rs. 40,000 or Rs. 2.5 – Rs. 5 lakh LPA.
- This is the starting point. You will support senior designers, master software tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and build your portfolio from here. This phase determines future growth, so focus on internships and projects during college.
2. Mid-Level (2–5 Years): Growth and Responsibility
- With a few years under your belt, your interior designer salary in India climbs to Rs 5– Rs 8 Lakh per year, or roughly Rs. 40,000–Rs. 65,000 per month.
- By this stage, you’re managing projects, interacting with clients, and designing independent spaces.
- In metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, salaries can even hit Rs. 6–Rs. 12 LPA due to higher demand and living costs.
- If you’re eyeing a specialization, like 3D rendering, luxury, or hospitality your pay may land on the higher end of that range.
3. Senior-Level (5+ Years): Mastery & Influence
- Senior designers with over five years of experience can earn Rs 8– Rs 20 Lakh per annum, or Rs 70,000 to Rs 1.5 Lakh monthly, in large firms or as experienced consultants.
- Platforms like Collegedunia show that crossover between postgraduate education and senior experience can even push earnings to Rs 10–Rs 15 LPA, and in some top companies, Rs 20– Rs 44 LPA.
- At this level, you manage teams, oversee multi-crore projects, and shape clients’ visions.
Freelance & Entrepreneurship
If you want to start something on your own, freelance designers can make project-based earnings between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 20 lakh per year (or more depending on scale and how recognized you are).
Starting your own business or working as a consultant can provide you with enhanced income, but it will require your marketing, networking and business knowledge. On a positive note, it is the quickest way to earn over ₹20 LPA as a top earner.
City Matters: Where You Live Counts
Your salary also depends heavily on location:
| City | Annual Salary |
| Mumbai | INR 5- 25 LPA |
| Delhi NCR | INR 4- 20 LPA |
| Banglore | INR 4- 18 LPA |
| Pune/ Hyderabad | INR 3.5- 15 LPA |
Metro cities offer higher salaries due to larger projects and more expensive living.
Other Popular Interior Design Jobs & Their Salaries
In addition to the many traditional roles for interior design professionals, there are also specialist roles that provide great career options and good pay:
- Junior Architect / Interior Design Assistant – Support senior designers with drafting, research, and site work; typically earns around Rs 3.3 LPA.
- Colour Consultant – Advises on colour psychology and schemes; entry-level salary averages Rs 3–4 LPA, with advanced roles up to Rs 10 LPA.
- Junior Interior Designer – Assists in planning layouts, furniture choices, and decor; earns roughly Rs 3 LPA.
- Kitchen Designer – Specializes in designing functional and aesthetic kitchens; salary typically around Rs 3.6–3.8 LPA.
- Visual Merchandiser / Retail Interior Designer – Focuses on in-store layouts and displays; earns Rs 4–4.2 LPA.
- Lighting Designer – Plans ambient and task lighting; specializes in lighting design for interior spaces; salary ranges from Rs 2–8.5 LPA depending on experience and location.
- Landscape Architect – Designs outdoor and green spaces; typical pay is Rs 7.1 LPA.
These roles allow students to explore specific areas, each offering unique creative outlets and solid earning potential as they gain experience.
What Boosts Your Pay Faster?
- Specilization – Specific skills in luxury, sustainability, or smart-home design can add Rs 2- Rs 3 LPA to your gross salary.
- Certifications – Knowledge of AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, LEED, WELL, or BIM lifts your profile and helps build a successful career in interior design.
- Training – More postgraduate qualifications can add 20% to your base salary.
- Type of Firm/Company – Larger firms pay more; smaller firms tend to pay less but offer flexibility.
- Freelance Types of work – Managing client expectations and budgets will allow you to regulate your income.
Summary: How Salary Grows Over Time
- Entry-Level (0–2 yrs): ₹2.5–₹5 LPA
- Mid-Level (2–5 yrs): ₹5–₹12 LPA
- Senior-Level (5+ yrs): ₹8–₹20+ LPA
- Top Firms / Postgraduates: ₹15–₹44 LPA
Tips for Students & New Designers
- Pick up internships from your college or look into B Des Interior Design Colleges in Coimbatore for placement support and skill training.
- Explore interior design courses after 12th to build a strong foundation and choose the right academic path. Enhance your portfolio with real-world projects and continually update your software & sustainability expertise.
- Build a network early by connecting with firms, alumni, and clients.
- Consider freelance gigs or small projects even while studying.
- Keep upgrading with certifications and possibly a postgraduate degree.
Conclusion
Your interior designer job salary in India will increase based on experience, skill, and location. This may start at Rs 20k–Rs 40k monthly and grow to Rs 1+ lakh monthly (or more) if you specialize, lead teams, begin your own brand, or freelance strategically.
This growth reflects the importance of interior design in creating functional, beautiful, and safe spaces that meet client needs and market demands.
If you’re passionate about transforming spaces and making them beautiful, start exploring your creativity and building your skills now.
FAQ
1. What is the entry‑level salary for interior designers?
Entry-level interior designers in India (0–2 years) typically earn between Rs 2.5–Rs 4 lakh per annum
2. What is the highest paying interior design role in India?
The top‑paying roles include Commercial Interior Designer, Sustainable Design Consultant, Design Director, and Luxury Designer, earning Rs 8–Rs 40 lakh per annum depending on specialization and leadership position
3. How does experience affect an interior designer’s salary?
With each experience milestone:0–2 years: INR 2.5–4 LPA ,2–5 years: INR 4–8 LPA, 5+ years: INR 8–20 LPA (senior, in high-end firms, even 30 LPA+)
4. How much can interior designers earn in different cities?
Salaries vary by metro city demand and cost of living: Annual Salary Mumbai INR 5- 25 LPA , Delhi NCR INR 4- 20 LPA, Bangalore INR 4- 18 LPA, Pune/ Hyderabad INR 3.5- 15 LPA.
About Karpagam Architecture
Karpagam Architecture is one of the premier architecture colleges in Coimbatore, offering a dynamic learning environment. Our institution is dedicated to providing top-quality education, fostering creativity, and developing innovative architects for the future.
With a focus on hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge, we empower students to excel in the field of architecture. Join us to unlock your potential and shape a successful career in architecture.