Architect vs Interior Designer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Architect
Design buildings and oversee construction projects from concept to completion.
Interior Designer
Create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for residential and commercial clients.
Architect earns more on average — the national median is $35,000/year (54%) higher than a Interior Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Architect vs Interior Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Architect | Interior Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,300 | $97,285 | Architect +$48,015 |
| New York, NY | $118,520 | $76,543 | Architect +$41,977 |
| Seattle, WA | $145,183 | $93,498 | Architect +$51,685 |
| Austin, TX | $112,554 | $74,273 | Architect +$38,281 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,228 | $70,530 | Architect +$37,698 |
| Boston, MA | $130,135 | $83,904 | Architect +$46,231 |
| London, UK | £79,223 | £50,589 | Architect +$28,634 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$132,644 | CA$88,063 | Architect +$44,581 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Architect or Interior Designer earn more?+
A Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Architect is $100,000/year, compared to $65,000/year for a Interior Designer — a difference of $35,000 (54%).
Which has better career growth — Architect or Interior Designer?+
Architect roles are growing at 5% YoY while Interior Designer demand is growing at 5% YoY. Interior Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Architect to Interior Designer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AutoCAD.
Which is harder to automate — Architect or Interior Designer?+
Architect has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.