Interior Designer vs Landscape Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Interior Designer
Create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for residential and commercial clients.
Landscape Architect
Design outdoor spaces including parks, gardens, and urban greenways.
Landscape Architect earns more on average — the national median is $10,000/year (15%) higher than a Interior Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Interior Designer vs Landscape Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Interior Designer | Landscape Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $97,285 | $111,052 | Interior $13,767 |
| New York, NY | $76,543 | $88,474 | Interior $11,931 |
| Seattle, WA | $93,498 | $109,391 | Interior $15,893 |
| Austin, TX | $74,273 | $84,468 | Interior $10,195 |
| Chicago, IL | $70,530 | $80,148 | Interior $9,618 |
| Boston, MA | $83,904 | $98,298 | Interior $14,394 |
| London, UK | £50,589 | £58,372 | Interior $7,783 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$88,063 | CA$99,791 | Interior $11,728 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Interior Designer or Landscape Architect earn more?+
A Landscape Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Interior Designer is $65,000/year, compared to $75,000/year for a Landscape Architect — a difference of $10,000 (15%).
Which has better career growth — Interior Designer or Landscape Architect?+
Interior Designer roles are growing at 5% YoY while Landscape Architect demand is growing at 6% YoY. Landscape Architect has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Interior Designer to Landscape Architect?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: AutoCAD.
Which is harder to automate — Interior Designer or Landscape Architect?+
Landscape Architect has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.