ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Interior Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$57,112/yr
Typical range: $55,015 – $67,239
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Interior Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Interior Designer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $57,112 | $4,759 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,550 | $5,879 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $79,509 | $6,626 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $90,707 | $7,559 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $117,583 | $9,799 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $143,116 | $11,926 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $149,499 | $12,458 | +162% |
Current Salary
$57,112
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$70,550
Junior · 2
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Interior Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Interior Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $57K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Interior Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $57K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Interior Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Interior Designer in Chicago, IL earns $105K–$128K/yr.