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Interior Design Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Interior Design Internship information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$33

How much do interior design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design internship in Tennessee is $17.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interior design internship?

An Interior Design Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates work with professional interior designers to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field. Interns assist with tasks like creating design presentations, sourcing materials, conducting site visits, and supporting project management. This experience helps aspiring interior designers develop essential skills, build a professional portfolio, and make industry connections. Typically, internships can be part-time or full-time and may last a few months, depending on the employer and program requirements.

What is the difference between Interior Design Internship vs Interior Designer?

AspectInterior Design InternshipInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; no required licensingLicensed or certified with relevant credentials
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, often in design firms or showroomsFull-time professional work in design firms, client sites, or self-employment
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with projects, learning design software, researchLeading projects, client consultations, project management

In summary, an Interior Design Internship is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting, while an Interior Designer is a licensed professional responsible for managing design projects and client relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interior design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interior Design Intern, you should have a strong foundation in design principles, spatial planning, and a relevant degree or coursework in interior design or a related field. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, openness to feedback, and effective communication are standout soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to design projects, collaborating with teams, and developing professional expertise in a competitive industry.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during an interior design internship?

As an Interior Design Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as creating mood boards, sourcing materials and furnishings, supporting design presentations, and helping with site visits or installations. Interns often collaborate closely with senior designers and project managers, gaining exposure to the entire design process from concept development to final execution. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into client communications, vendor management, and the practical aspects of turning design ideas into reality. The internship is structured to help you build technical skills, expand your portfolio, and understand the collaborative nature of interior design firms.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Interior Design Internship jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Interior Design Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Internship job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,581 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Fall 2026 Mayor's Civic Leadership Internship

22nd Century Technologies

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$15.45/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

CoC_Fall 2026 Mayor's Civic Leadership Internship Job Title: Fall 2026 Mayor's Civic Leadership Internship Hours: 15-18 hours per week Location: 101 East 11th Street, Suite 300 Chattanooga, TN 37402 Salary Range: $15.45/hour Job Descriptions Classification Summary Incumbents in this classification will participate in professional development, community service activities and field trips while working on projects and assignments derived from proposals submitted by various departments within the City of Chattanooga. Aligning with Mayor Kelly's One Chattanooga Vision, Focus Areas for the Fall Internship Program are: Building a Universal Path to Early Learning Catalyze Economic Vitality in the Black Community Ensure Affordable Housing Choices for All Chattanoogans Improve Local Infrastructure Build a Competitive Regional Economy Close the Gaps in Public Health Provide Responsive and Effective Local Government. Essential Functions The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Compiles reports on and assists with a variety of office projects. Collect research information. Interacts with representatives from the public and private sectors. Assists and participates in public meetings, board and commission meetings, program work groups, and/or special events, as assigned. Leadership Development from the Mayor and staff Department Specific Duties Interns will work 15-18 hours per week starting after Labor Day and will work through the beginning of December. Work schedules will be made around school schedules. As a part of the "Mayor's Civic Leadership Internship Program" there will be a monthly mandatory leadership development session. Positions this fall will be in the following fields: Finance/Accounting Communications Marketing Policy and Legislation Computer Science / Technology Services Public Health Sustainability Land Development + Others to be determined Completed Freshman year in college and currently enrolled in a college or University (Undergrad or Graduate Student) OR a recent graduate (Dec 2025-2026) of a College or University. Physical Demands Positions in this class typically require- reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Supplemental Information Knowledge of area public and civic organizations and associations, public relations, and marketing principles; excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as skill in providing customer service and using a computer and related software applications. Ability to serve in the public capacity as a representative of the Mayor's Office, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and those contacted in the course of the work. Majors sought but not limited to: Accounting, Administrative Professional Technology, Architecture, Arts Administration, Arts Education, Automotive Technology, Botany, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Communications, Computer Science/ Engineering, Construction Engineering, Criminal Justice, Cultural Anthropology, Digital Media Technology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Finance, Graphic Design, Human Resources, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Information Technology, Information Systems, Interior Design, Journalism Marketing, Non-Profit Management, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Transportation, Urban Planning and Women's Studies. This position requires a pre-employment background check, and any other screenings required for the department. #J-18808-Ljbffr