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Junior Interior Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Junior Interior Design information

See Iowa salary details

$29.1K

$53.3K

$80.8K

How much do junior interior design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior interior design in Iowa is $53,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior interior designer?

Junior interior designers are entry-level professionals who assist senior designers in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Their responsibilities often include preparing design presentations, sourcing materials, creating mood boards, and drafting floor plans or layouts. They work under supervision, gaining practical experience while developing their technical and creative skills. Junior interior designers usually have a relevant degree or diploma and a keen eye for detail, organization, and design trends.

What do junior interior designers do?

As a Junior Interior Designer, you’ll typically assist senior designers with design development, sourcing materials, preparing presentations, and drafting floor plans or mood boards. Your daily work may include site visits, measuring spaces, and communicating with vendors or clients under supervision. While you may not lead projects initially, you’ll have opportunities to contribute creative ideas, gain exposure to various design phases, and develop technical skills, all within a collaborative team setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building your portfolio and progressing toward more independent roles in the future.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a junior interior designer?

To thrive as a Junior Interior Designer, you need a solid background in design principles, spatial planning, and a relevant degree or diploma in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and senior designers. These skills ensure that design concepts are effectively communicated and executed, resulting in successful project outcomes.

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

AspectJunior Interior DesignInterior Designer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Interior Design, entry-level certificationBachelor's degree, professional certification (e.g., NCIDQ)
Work EnvironmentAssists senior designers, supports project tasksLeads projects, interacts directly with clients
ResponsibilitiesPrepares drawings, research materials, supports design developmentCreates design concepts, manages client communication, oversees project execution

Junior Interior Design roles typically require foundational education and support tasks within interior design projects. Interior Designers have more experience, responsibilities, and client interaction. The junior role is a stepping stone toward becoming a fully licensed Interior Designer.

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Junior Interior Design jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Junior Interior Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Interior Design job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,254 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Intern - Interior Design - Summer 2027

HNI Workplace Furnishings

Muscatine, IA • Hybrid

Temporary, Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

HNI is a global family of brands for the workplace dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others, upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

What We Need:
We are looking for two Interior Design Interns to join our Design Studio team in Muscatine, IA, during Summer 2027!  

What You Will Do:

HNI’s summer internship program is a great opportunity for first-hand experience in your field of interest. You'll work on one or more projects that create value for our business partners. HNI's large, paid internship program includes exposure to leadership, professional development opportunities (Lunch and Learns, training, skill building workshops), support through a mentor relationship, volunteering, and social events! 
 
Company-paid apartment-style housing may also be available, based on student's geographic need and current housing capacity. Depending on the flexibility of the role, the intern may have the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule. 

The Design Studio team is responsible for providing best in class deliverables to our customers that meet their everchanging workplace design needs. As a member of this team, you will gain experience rendering designs, space planning, preparing proposals, and working with CET Designer. The intern will report directly to a NCIDQ certified manager. Our interns are a key source of future talent for entry-level design careers.

What You Have:

  • Candidates should be working towards a Bachelor's degree in design or a related field. Junior level coursework is preferred.
  •  Interest in commercial design and space planning
  • Preference will be given to applicants with relevant work experience, internships, or involvement in related activities such as tutoring or business fraternities
  • Minimum 2.8 GPA
  •  Portfolio containing examples of design work must be submitted 
What You're Good At:
  • Self-starter with high personal motivation and desire to take initiative and ownership
  • Strong experience managing projects (school or work related)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

We look forward to hearing from you! 


We are not accepting any candidates that require company sponsorship to legally work in the United States.