It’s good news that demand for senior interior designers is reaching new peaks in the UK, making competition for good candidates tough – a reality reflected in the going salaries within the London market.

Staying informed about pay trends has never been more important for making the right career or hiring decisions. At Twenty One Twelve, part of our mission is to keep design professionals and employers equipped with the most up-to-date information about salaries for creative roles – including London interior designer pay.

When surveying companies and employees for our Mid-year Market Review and Salary Report, we found London's design studios have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, despite a challenging economy. Some studios have unfortunately closed, but we have also observed green shoots in the design sector, with many studios finding opportunities to expand and thrive – no small feat in these times!

What is the Average Interior Designer salary for Permanent Roles?

The demand for both senior technical and delivery roles has remained healthy, with an increasing need for strategists also becoming apparent. Looking ahead, we expect a resurgence in demand for creative roles as stalled projects resume, alongside the ongoing need for technical and delivery expertise. There is also a noticeable trend towards permanent hires, indicating more business confidence and a desire for stability.

Early Senior Designers with 4-6 years of experience can earn salaries ranging from £40,000 to £45,000 in permanent roles. Senior Designers with a few more years under their belt – about 6-8 years of experience – have seen their salaries increase to between £45,000 and £57,500 in permanent positions.

For those with 8 or more years of experience, potential career paths include roles such as Team Lead/Associate, Design Director and Creative Director. Team Leads/Associates are earning between £55,000 and £65,000 in permanent roles, while Design Directors can expect salaries from £65,000 to £80,000. Creative Directors, who oversee the overall vision and direction of projects, earn between £80,000 and £110,000 annually.

At the top of the ladder, Executive Creative Directors (10+ years of experience) are commanding salaries starting at £120,000 and reaching as high as £150,000 in permanent positions.

Freelance and Contractor Pay Rates for Interior Designers in London

The freelance market has also seen its share of shifts around pay. Freelancers have bumped up their day rates, but these haven’t necessarily been matched by clients. Consequently, studios are increasingly opting for permanent hires to maintain profitability.

Early Senior Designers with 4-6 years of experience can charge freelance rates from £275 to £300 per day. Freelance Senior Designers with 6-8 years of experience are charging rates ranging from £300 to £350 per day.

Freelance Team Leads/Associates with over 8 years of experience charge between £325 and £400 daily, while Design Directors’ day rates range from £375 to £450. Creative Directors, given their extensive expertise and responsibilities, charge daily rates ranging from £450 to £600.

Executive creative director freelance rates range from £550 to £800 per day, reflecting their range of skills, experience and the strategic value they bring to projects.

Get the Latest Pay Data and Support from Design Recruitment Specialists

Despite various market challenges, we are heartened to see that the design sector is exhibiting much strength and resilience. With the 2024 snap election now resolved, the industry can look forward to a more certain and stable future.

Do you have plans to negotiate a pay rise or job offer, or need to add designers to your team? Twenty One Twelve’s latest data can help you benchmark pay, negotiate effectively and ensure a fair outcome.

For in-depth data on London interior designer pay data and salaries for a broad range of core design and support roles in the UK, click here to access your free copy of our Mid-year Market Review and Salary Report.

Browse our open interior design jobs here, or contact us today for guidance on hiring or finding your next role. We’d love to chat with you!