Interior designer salary: How to increase your earnings as a designer

According to the United States Department of Labor, the average interior designer salary is $62,510 per year, which translates to roughly $30.05 per hour. However, these figures can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, education, and certification. For example, interior designers in states like the District of Columbia, California, and Massachusetts tend to earn higher salaries than those in other regions. 

But what if you’re an interior designer running your own business and looking to increase your income? Beyond the basics of experience and education, there are several strategies you can implement to boost your earnings. In this guide, we'll discuss key tactics that can help you increase your revenue and attract more clients. 

1. Market yourself effectively 

One of the most important steps to earning more as an interior designer is to market yourself effectively. Without proper promotion, even the most talented designers can struggle to attract clients. To ensure potential clients can find you, focus on building a strong online presence and actively promoting your brand. 

2. Leverage trade discounts 

One way to increase your profit margins is by negotiating trade discounts with suppliers. If you frequently purchase from certain vendors, inquire about setting up a trade account that offers discounts on your business purchases. You can then sell the products to your clients at the regular retail price, pocketing the difference. 

If the vendor is hesitant to offer an upfront discount, consider negotiating an annual rebate based on the volume of purchases you make over the year. This arrangement reassures the supplier of your continued business and helps you save on costs. 

3. Specialize in kitchen and bath design 

Specializing in high-demand areas such as kitchen and bath design can significantly boost your income. Kitchens and bathrooms are where clients typically invest the most, spending substantial amounts on cabinetry, countertops, sinks, and tiles. By focusing on these areas, you can capitalize on larger budgets and more complex projects. 

Additionally, your relationship with suppliers can be especially lucrative in these high-investment areas. If you’ve secured trade discounts, the profit margins on kitchen and bath products can be considerable. 

4. Maintain strong customer relationships 

A satisfied customer is a valuable asset, not only because of repeat business but also because of word-of-mouth referrals. After completing a project, don’t let the relationship end there. Send a follow-up email a few weeks or months later to check in on how they’re enjoying their new space. This simple gesture keeps you top of mind and encourages clients to recommend you to friends and family. 

Additionally, consider asking happy clients to leave a positive review on your website or social media pages. Positive testimonials can greatly influence potential clients considering your services. 

5. Offer add-on sales 

Suggesting add-on services is another effective way to increase your earnings. For example, if you’re designing a kitchen, propose custom storage solutions like a pantry or if you’re working on a bedroom, offer to design a walk-in closet. Clients may not be aware of these options until you present them, and if they agree, it’s an easy way to increase the overall project value. 

There’s no harm in making these suggestions—if the client says yes, you’ve boosted your income; if not, you haven’t lost anything. 

6. Track your time accurately 

Accurate time tracking is crucial for ensuring you’re compensated for all the work you do. Many interior design projects involve numerous back-and-forth communications with suppliers, contractors, and clients. These interactions, even if brief, add up over time. Make sure you log every minute spent on a project, as these hours are billable. 

Consider using time-tracking tools or software to keep an accurate record of your work hours. Alternatively, you can set a fixed rate for your services and include it in your client contracts to ensure you’re paid fairly for all your efforts. 

7. Charge for initial consultations 

If you’re new to the industry, offering free initial consultations can be a great way to attract clients. However, once you’ve established yourself with a few successful projects, it’s time to start charging for these sessions. Initial consultations often last about an hour and require significant effort, especially if they take place at the client’s home. Charging for your time ensures that you’re compensated for the valuable advice and expertise you provide.

If you prefer to offer a free consultation, consider limiting it to 30 minutes and holding it in a neutral location like a coffee shop, rather than the client’s home.