Kitchen designers are very much in demand, and this might be the right time for you to excel in this profession.
Several multinational companies hire professional kitchen designers on a full-time or part-time basis. Apart from that, these professionals can work as freelancers, and how much they make every month varies accordingly.
So how much do kitchen designers make? Read on to get an idea.
How Much Kitchen Designers Make
1. What Are The Responsibilities Of A Kitchen Designer?
Before discussing their earnings, let's discuss what their responsibilities are.
Kitchen designers are primarily involved in curating kitchen layouts, which include compartments, counters, and electrical appliances. They design residential and commercial kitchens for businesses like hotels, hospitals, and restaurants.
You must make kitchen designs according to client requirements and requests through computer-aided drafting and software skills.
2. How Much Do They Make?
The salaries earned by a full-time kitchen designer depends on the company and the country they are employed at. For example, a professional designer earns nearly $100,000 in Virginia, while $72,500 in Maryland.
However, if I’m to provide an estimated average salary of these professionals, it can be up to $62,300 per year or $31.95 per hour for entry-level designers. And with experience, their pay also rises exponentially- a designer with at least eight years of experience earns up to $92,080 annually.
As stated above, you can also work as an individual or a freelancer, where the money you make depends purely on the project type and hours invested in it.
For instance, professional designers working in residential kitchens can earn a minimum of around $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Moreover, the pay can rise significantly while working for commercial spaces. So, overall, there’s a good scope for them to earn in the USA.
However, a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that the employment rate for kitchen designers might fall by 5% between 2019-2029. It is slower than the national average of 4% for all fields.
3. What Certifications Are Required For Becoming A Kitchen Designer?
The NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) is one of the avenues to be looked into for obtaining a license. But to qualify for the exam, you need to have a combined experience of six years in education and work.
Apart from that, you can obtain certifications from NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). You need at least 30 hours of coursework, two years of design experience, and two professional endorsements.
Final Words
Kitchen design has emerged as the hottest career option, which is mainly due to increased demand for modular and well-planned kitchens. So, if you’re planning to pursue your career as a kitchen designer, I’d suggest enrolling in specific courses and obtaining licenses. And take up a full-time job experience before working as a freelancer or individual contractor.