California ranks 3rd of 50 states and D.C. for interior designers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($79,490) by $2,130 — a 3% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $46,540 to $131,870 — a $85,330 spread, 26% wider than the national $67,610 range.
California employs roughly 12.0% of all interior designers in the country (8,360 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $46,540 | $22.38 |
| 25th percentile | $60,260 | $28.97 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,360 | $37.19 |
| 75th percentile | $99,030 | $47.61 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,870 | $63.40 |
| Mean (average) | $85,650 | $41.18 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $77,360 | n/a |
| Washington | $79,490 | +3% |
| District of Columbia | $79,060 | +2% |
| Massachusetts | $77,190 | +0% |
| Wyoming | $75,120 | -3% |
| New York | $73,630 | -5% |
| Colorado | $72,740 | -6% |
| Maryland | $70,810 | -8% |
| Nevada | $68,620 | -11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $77,350 | 3,990 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $77,170 | 79,610 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $77,800 | 1,380 |
| Clergy | $77,850 | 6,390 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $76,870 | 70,920 |
| Flight Attendants | $77,870 | 15,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Interior Designers salary in California?
The mean interior designers salary in California is $85,650 per year. The median (middle) salary is $77,360 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Interior Designers in California?
Entry-level interior designerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $46,540 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $60,260 per year.
What is the highest Interior Designers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $131,870 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $99,030 per year.
How does the California Interior Designers salary compare to the national average?
The median interior designers salary in California is $77,360, which is +22% above national average of $63,490.