Salary distribution
Where San Francisco interior designers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $73,190 and $102,440, with a median of $78,660.
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.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Interior Designers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for interior designers.
- San Jose$79,800
- San Diego$78,990
- Los Angeles$76,970
- Sacramento$75,170
- Riverside$70,180
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Interior Designers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Interior Designers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $78,660.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Interior Designers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +1.7% versus the California state median of $77,360.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Interior Designers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +19.9% versus the BLS national figure of $65,579.
- What is the salary range for Interior Designers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $60,990 and the 90th-percentile at $136,250 for the San Francisco 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 Francisco 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.