Interior Design Salary in Australia: Minimum Wage, Award Coverage, and Median Earnings

Understanding the interior design salary landscape

When researching an interior design salary in Australia, it helps to separate the legal minimum from typical market earnings. The pay floor is set by the national minimum wage or an applicable award, while the median salary reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) gives a realistic benchmark for full-time workers.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and awards

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these amounts.

However, many interior designers are covered by an industry or occupational award. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that coverage depends on the employer’s industry. For example:

• **Retail Award – if the employer operates in general retail and there is a matching classification.
• **Manufacturing Award if the designer works as a draughtsperson making drawn designs from data.
• **Professionals Award if the designer holds an engineering qualification recognised by Engineers Australia.
• **Miscellaneous Award for unqualified or trade‑qualified designers not covered by another award.

If no award applies, the designer is award‑free and entitled only to the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards. Always check the relevant award using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates.

Survey average: median interior design salary

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports a median full‑time weekly earnings of $1,692 for interior designers. This is before tax and salary sacrifice. The median hourly earnings are $42 per hour. These figures are for non‑managerial employees paid at the adult rate. They are a guide only and do not account for experience or location.

Compared to all occupations, the median weekly earnings for interior designers are below the all‑occupations median of $1,852. However, the share of full‑time workers (70%) and average hours (43 per week) are similar to the broader workforce.

Negotiated salaries and superannuation

Experienced interior designers with several years of experience or a strong portfolio can negotiate a salary above the median. Employers often offer a total package that includes superannuation (12% on top of ordinary time earnings. Always discuss salary in gross terms before tax and super as an employer payment on top.

For award‑free employees, the minimum wage is the only legal floor. If you are covered by an award, the award rate applies instead. Use the Which minimum wage applies to check your coverage. For a full list of current rates, see Rate tables.

Key takeaways

• The legal minimum for award‑free interior designers is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026.
• The ABS median full‑time interior design salary is $1,692 per week.
• Award coverage varies; many interior designers are award‑free.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.
• Always confirm your award or agreement before relying on the national minimum.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.