Art That Pays Off: Interior Design School Can Lead to Better Salary

If you're considering interior design school, keep in mind that education can equate to a higher salary. One reason: Today's interior design degrees teach courses in business and sales, as well as art and fashion trends.

The Interior Design Degree: How Much Education is Enough?

Broad educational focus helps students understand how to sell themselves to clients large and small; analyze and understand a client's budget, style, and goals; formulate a cohesive interior design plan that meets a client's criteria; bring that design plan to life; and--oh yes--make lots of money.

Interior design schools offer degree programs from the associate to master's degree level. Challenging and affordable online and campus programs are available. An associate degree in interior design can help you get your foot in the professional door, while a bachelor's or master's degree can help advance interior design careers. Taking the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam (NCIDQ) demonstrates commitment to the field. How far you take this artistic profession has a lot to do with personal motivation.

Interior Decorator Salary: Learn More, Earn More

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an interior decorator salary spans the gamut from a pittance to plenty. In 2009, the bottom 10% of interior decorators eared $26,980, while the top 10% raked in $83,630. The mean salary was $51,990. How much you make depends on where you work, your design specialization, and let's face it--how good you are. An interior decorator salary can also depend heavily on level of education.

Interior decorators use their expertise in color, style, texture, and architectural detail to make interior spaces look and "feel" perfect. Design firms, office buildings, hotel and restaurant chains, department and furniture stores all hire interior decorators to lend their expertise to the commercial arena. Some interior designers consult exclusively with residential clients. As an experienced interior designer, you can choose the clients and environment that most stimulate your professionalism and creativity.