Green:employment for Interior Design will grow about the same as other occupations over the next 10 years.

Red:competition is expected to be stiff.

Yellow:you can beef up your skill set with proper training and experience.

Job growth for interior designers is expected to go hand in hand with growth in the economy, homeowner wealth and an increased interest in design. Because interior design is considered to be a luxury good, as the economy increases so will demand for design services, but the opposite is true, too. As the economy slows, the demand for design services will slow as well. Increased homeowner wealth means that more people are redoing their kitchens, but many homeowners are doing it themselves.

Several specialty design areas that are expected to see a greater demand are designs for the aging, hospitality design, and green design. As the baby boomers age, so will the demand for health care facilities and accompanying design services. Also, the aging population has inspired an interest in ergonomic design. Tourism is expected to increase over the next few years, so will design services for hotels and restaurants. The growing environmental awareness has spurred interest in green design and green building.

Salaries for interior designers are in line with other creative occupations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2004 the median income for interior designers was $40,670. Architectural firms paid about $4,000 more than the median while furniture stores paid about $3,000 less.

The best opportunities will go to those who are experienced and have formal training. To improve your job prospects within the interior design profession, click here.

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