ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Interior Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$109,711/yr
Typical range: $97,885 – $119,634
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $53,288 | $4,441 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $65,827 | $5,486 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $74,186 | $6,182 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $84,634 | $7,053 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $109,711 | $9,143 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $133,534 | $11,128 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $139,490 | $11,624 | +162% |
Current Salary
$109,711
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$133,534
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Interior Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Interior Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $110K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Interior Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $110K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Interior Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Interior Designer in Chicago, IL earns $98K–$120K/yr.