Salary distribution
Where San Diego interior designers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,740 and $96,710, with a median of $78,990.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Originality
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
- 02
Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and plumbers, to ensure job success.
- 03
Inspect construction work on site to ensure its adherence to the design plans.
- 04
Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
- 05
Advise client on interior design factors, such as space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
- 06
Confer with client to determine factors affecting planning of interior environments, such as budget, architectural preferences, purpose, and function.
- 07
Estimate material requirements and costs, and present design to client for approval.
- 08
Review and detail shop drawings for construction plans.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for interior designers.
- San Jose$79,800
- San Francisco$78,660
- Los Angeles$76,970
- Sacramento$75,170
- Riverside$70,180
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Interior Designers in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Interior Designers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $78,990.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Interior Designers?
- The San Diego metro median is +2.1% versus the California state median of $77,360.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Interior Designers?
- The San Diego metro median is +20.5% versus the BLS national figure of $65,579.
- What is the salary range for Interior Designers in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $51,680 and the 90th-percentile at $125,440 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Interior Designers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.