The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is turning 50 this year, a milestone worth celebrating for a profession that has become critical, driving the way we live, work and heal. And fittingly, ASID’s latest State of Interior Design Report — the third installment in its annual Outlook series — lands at a moment when design’s cultural and economic influence has never been clearer.

Sponsored by Sherwin-Williams and compiled by ASID’s research team, the 2025 report provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the profession you’ll find. It tracks salaries and certifications, employment trends, business growth, and the shifting nature of services in an effort to help designers understand where the industry is heading next.

“As the leading design association for all sectors, ASID recognizes the importance of equipping our diverse membership with tools to succeed in an evolving marketplace,” said ASID CEO Khoi Vo. “The insights in the State of Interior Design report help designers strengthen their practice today while preparing them to shape a stronger profession for tomorrow.”

This year’s report offers a nuanced view of a profession that continues to grow, diversify and adapt, even as broader economic headwinds and demographic shifts reshape the design landscape.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 69,580 interior designers are currently employed across a range of industries — from residential and commercial design to healthcare and education. Another 56,449 are self-employed, according to the 2025 Barnes Report, marking a 3.4% increase over the prior year. The self-employment figure is especially notable; it suggests that designers are increasingly taking ownership of their practice, even as the pace of that growth slowed slightly from last year’s 4.1%.

Credentials are also on the rise. The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) reported 17,447 active certificate holders as of October 2024, up from 16,539 in 2023. Since 1974, more than 38,000 certificates have been awarded. In the spring of 2024 alone, 544 new certifications were granted, a 14.3% jump year over year.

Money may not buy creativity, but it’s a telling indicator of where the market stands. In 2024, the average salary for interior designers reached $71,430, a modest 2.1% increase over 2023. That’s far less dramatic than the 11.3% jump reported between 2022 and 2023, reflecting a cooling in the broader economy and the lingering impact of inflation and interest rate pressures.

Still, any upward movement is good news. Designers, particularly those working in specialized segments like healthcare, sustainability or workplace strategy, continue to see their expertise rewarded. And with demand for design services remaining steady, compensation could see stronger gains once borrowing costs stabilize and construction pipelines loosen up again.

The report paints a picture of resilience at the firm level. Despite higher interest rates and uncertainty in the construction market, the number of U.S. interior design firms is expected to reach nearly 17,500 in 2025, a 3.4% increase from 2024. That’s significant growth.

Payroll for firms providing design services is projected at $2.23 billion, with nearly half of that ($1.08 billion) coming from small businesses. In fact, small firms account for roughly 75% of total industry sales, which are expected to hit $30.9 billion this year. If there’s a takeaway here, it’s that the heart of the interior design profession beats strongest in small studios and boutique practices, places where creativity and client relationships remain most personal.

Geographically, the industry’s center of gravity remains where you’d expect. California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Illinois together represent more than $15.8 billion in projected fees for 2025. But ASID’s data also suggests opportunities in emerging markets, especially as remote work and migration patterns reshape where people live and where design services are needed most.

Design demand is holding steady, but the rate of growth is expected to taper heading into 2026. Elevated costs in construction and renovation are making some clients hit pause on new projects, particularly in the commercial sector. Yet, the appetite for design itself isn’t waning. Homeowners continue to invest in environments that reflect hybrid lifestyles, and businesses are increasingly turning to designers for help in reimagining spaces that attract and retain talent.

In other words, the challenge for the next few years may not be a lack of opportunity, but the need to adapt to different kinds of demand.

As ASID celebrates its 50th year, it’s worth noting how far the profession has come. Fifty years ago, “interior design” was often dismissed as superficial. Today, it’s recognized as a discipline that shapes behavior, supports wellness and improves performance across nearly every aspect of human experience. The 2025 State of Interior Design Report underscores that transformation. It shows an industry that is both grounded and forward-looking, navigating economic uncertainty with professionalism and purpose.

The data shows that interior design has matured into one of the most vital creative professions of our time. And if ASID’s report is any indication, the next 50 years promise to be just as transformative as the last. The full 2025 State of Interior Design report is available for download at American Society of Interior Designers | ASID —free for ASID members, and $150 for nonmembers.