Image that illustrates Interior designer

Interior designer

41 100 kr

Interior designers, decorators and scenographers etc.

36 200 - 45 600 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Interior designer

Average salary 41 100 kr
Males 44 400 kr
Females 40 200 kr

What does an Interior Designer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An interior designer works on creating drawings and visual presentations for interior projects in both public and private settings. The profession involves interpreting client needs and wishes, analyzing the site’s conditions, and proposing layouts, material choices, color schemes, and furniture arrangements. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with architects, project managers, and craftsmen, and can include both new constructions and renovations. The work environment varies between offices, client visits, and site visits, with digital tools and drawing programs used extensively to develop detailed solutions.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for interior designers has shown a steady but relatively slow increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, which increased to 39100 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 2.1%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary rose further to 41 100 SEK, corresponding to an increase of just over 5.1%. This salary development can be linked to an increased demand for specialized skills in interior design and a broader focus on sustainability and design across various industries. Despite the positive trend, the salary growth remains modest compared to some other creative professions, which may be due to competition and varying project volumes in the sector.

Interior Designer Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 247 SEK
  • Women: 40 200 SEK/month (91% of men's salary)
  • Men: 44,400 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: No detailed statistics available

Education and Qualifications

To become an interior designer, a post-secondary education in interior design, design, or architecture is typically required. Many choose to study at vocational colleges or universities, where the education often includes practical periods to gain industry experience. There is also the possibility to supplement with certification courses or further training, especially in digital drawing tools and project management.

  • Vocational college education: 2–3 years in interior design or related fields
  • University education: 3–5 years in architecture, interior architecture, or design
  • Certification courses: CAD, SketchUp, Revit, among others
  • Internships: Often a mandatory part of education
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with an aesthetic or technical focus
  • Self-study: Possible through online courses and portfolio work

Many interior designers work on projects ranging from exclusive private homes to public environments such as hotels, schools, and hospitals. The profession requires the ability to quickly understand the unique needs of different environments and create solutions that combine functionality, aesthetics, and budget.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Interior designers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include occupational pension, skills development, and subsidized travel and work tools. Larger companies may also offer bonus programs and insurance solutions as part of the employment package.

Competition and Challenges

The competition in the profession is high, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek creative and design-related roles. Challenges often include building a strong network, developing a broad portfolio, and staying updated on trends and technical tools. The market is also influenced by economic cycles and the development of the construction industry, which can lead to fluctuating demand for services. For interior designers with specialized skills, such as sustainability or digital visualization, opportunities may be greater. Establishing oneself as a freelancer presents additional challenges in client acquisition and competition from larger agencies.

Tips for Aspiring Interior Designers

To succeed as an interior designer, it is beneficial to combine creativity with analytical skills and precision. Building a strong portfolio and documenting completed projects helps showcase competence and style. Good communication skills are essential for understanding clients’ needs and collaborating with various professionals. To stand out in the competition, ongoing training in new software and design trends is recommended, along with participating in industry events to build a network. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are highly valued, especially when project parameters change rapidly.

Key Facts about Interior Designers

  • Education level: Post-secondary education (2–5 years)
  • Work environment: Office, client visits, site visits
  • Work form: Employed or consultant, sometimes self-employed
  • Demand: Around 620 job openings in the field
  • Special skills: Digital drawing tools, project management, material knowledge

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as an interior designer, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as project manager, interior supervisor, or specialist in areas like sustainable interior design or digital visualization. Some choose to start their own business or work as consultants, while others deepen their expertise in specific environments such as offices, schools, or retail. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast due to limited data, but signs indicate continued demand across the profession, especially as design and environmental considerations become increasingly important. Both public and private actors seek expertise, and ongoing digitalization opens new career paths and working methods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Interior Designers

  • What is the average salary of an Interior Designer?
    - The average salary is 41 100 SEK per month.
  • Are there significant gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn 91% of what men do in the profession.
  • How does one become an Interior Designer?
    - Most commonly through post-secondary education in interior design, often with practical training.
  • What are the job responsibilities of an Interior Designer?
    - The profession involves creating drawings and visual solutions for interior projects in various environments.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - There are approximately 620 job openings in the field, but no exact forecast due to limited data.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary?
    - The highest salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest is 36,200 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Interior designer is 45600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 45100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Interior designer is 36200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34900 kr
35-44 39900 kr 40700 kr
45-54 43900 kr 45000 kr
55-64 44900 kr 45300 kr
Snitt 91% 40200 kr 41100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Interior designer has the SSYK code 3432, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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