Creative Arts & Design
Interior Designer
You design the inside of homes, shops and offices so they work beautifully.
- Starting salary
- R12 000 – R22 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Visual Arts, Design
What do they do?
You design the inside of homes, shops and offices so they work beautifully.
A day in the life
You measure spaces, plan layouts, pick materials and manage installations.
Skills you need
- Spatial sense
- Colour and materials
- Client listening
- Budgeting
School subjects that help
- Visual Arts
- Design
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Engineering Graphics & Design
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Interior design diploma or degree
- 3Junior designer
- 4Interior designer
Ways in: University of Technology · Private college · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Johannesburg
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R12 000 – R22 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R26 000 – R48 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R55 000 – R100 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Rearrange and redesign a room at home
- • Make mood boards
- • Learn basic floor-plan drawing
Try this career
Redesign your bedroom on paper with a R5 000 imaginary budget.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.