#Kitchen Designer: Occupational Outlook and Career Summary

Essential Information

$54,200 annually (for all interior designers )

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kitchen Designer Occupational Outlook

Kitchen designers were in high demand due to an increased interest in home remodeling and design. More affluent areas and neighborhoods should see the greatest demand for interior designers. Kitchen designers in particular usually must become an authority in this area, through certification or licensing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that job opportunities in the interior design industry in general were expected to see average growth, at 13% between 2012 and 2022 (www.bls.gov ).

Salary Information for Kitchen Designers

In 2013, the BLS stated that the annual mean wage for interior designers in general was $54,200. Wages may vary by location, level of experience and area of specialization. For example, those working in specialized design earned an average of $54,940 annually, while those working on the architectural and engineering end of design made a higher average of $59,480 yearly.

Educational Requirements for Kitchen Designers

The BLS indicated that candidates interested in careers as interior and kitchen designers need to complete formal training. Schools and colleges offer various programs in kitchen design, typically associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs. Certificate programs in kitchen design are another option that qualify individuals for entry-level positions in the kitchen and bath design industry. Students may be able to complete some of the courses online.

Internship and Licensing Requirements

Many educational programs require students to complete internships as part of the curriculum. The curricula may be based on specifications set by the National Kitchen Bath Association (NKBA). After completing a kitchen design program, graduates must work as a kitchen designer for at least one year before becoming eligible to take a licensing exam. More licensing exams become available as the designers gains more experience.

Certifications

The NKBA, a non-profit association committed to the kitchen and bath industry, offers certification in both residential bath and kitchen design. Once designers complete training seminars and pass certification exams, they can also obtain certifications in other areas of kitchen and bath design. The kitchen and bath certification exams include a multiple-choice test on kitchen and bath design and a design/practical exam.