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Decorator, Designer, Home Stager, Interior Designer, Interior Specialist, Interior Stylist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Interior decorators enhance interior spaces by focusing on the ornamental and moveable aspects of interiors such as colour, wallpapers, furniture, rugs, drapery, and light fixtures. They also focus on fixed details such as moldings and built-ins that can be easily added to an existing space.
They ensure the spaces they work on are aesthetically pleasing and functional. They decorate new spaces, re-decorate existing ones, or do home staging (decorating a home for sale).
Many interior decorators specialize in residential interiors. However, they may also work with professionals such as architects or engineers on spaces such as those in:
Interior decorators select, coordinate, and place:
Duties and responsibilities vary from 1 position to another. In general, interior decorators:
Independent interior designers may work individually or as part of a larger team. They source FF&E from different manufacturers’ product lines. They sometimes work with custom furniture workrooms for a unique look and feel.
In-house interior decorators work in department stores, furniture stores, and other retail establishments. They sell the store’s merchandise through the decorating service. This often involves designing generic or product-specific displays. Some decorators represent a particular manufacturer’s product line.
Interior designers also enhance how an interior space appears and functions. Unlike interior decorators, however, they also handle technical and strategic considerations in planning new spaces and renovating existing ones. For more information, see the Interior Designer occupational profile.
Working conditions for interior decorators vary depending on their place of employment. They may work days, evenings, and weekends. They may spend a great deal of time in clients’ homes. Hours of work can be irregular. Decorators may have to adapt their schedules to suit client needs.
In some work settings, interior decorators may need to lift items weighing 10 kilograms or more. They may also need to install lighting and window or wall coverings. Working from ladders to measure dimensions or help installers also can be required.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in computing to maintain sales records for inventory control; and in operating computerised inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems
Interest in persuading to sell and rent merchandise to customers
Interest in handling to prepare merchandise for purchase, rental and leasing, and to assist in the display of merchandise
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interior decorators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 99 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Jul 25, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space | 71 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings | 67 |
| Tasks: Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures | 65 |
| Tasks: Advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards | 64 |
| Tasks: Create interior spaces that reflect clients' needs and tastes | 64 |
| Tasks: Read blueprint, schemas and drawings | 64 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 57 |
| Attention to detail | 53 |
| Tasks: Estimate cost of projects and prepare detailed specifications | 51 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 49 |
There are no standard educational requirements for interior decorators in Alberta.
Interior decorators need skills in identifying colour, proportion, balance, and detail. To acquire these skills, they may learn on the job or take related training programs. In general, employers prefer to hire applicants who have:
Many employers prefer to hire graduates of post-secondary programs in interior design or visual arts.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta. However, various organizations offer registration to interior decorators. These include:
Registration with these organizations is voluntary but highly recommended. To learn about registration requirements, visit the organization’s website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most interior decorators are self-employed. Others work for:
Some interior decorators work on a freelance basis. Some purchase merchandise from retail outlets, while others work with trade-only suppliers. Establishing a successful decorating service requires:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5242: Interior designers and interior decorators occupational group, 84.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5242: Interior designers and interior decorators occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.5% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 87 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
An independent interior decorator’s income and pricing structure varies from one person to another.
After completing on-the-job training, most in-house interior decorators work on a commission basis. So, their incomes also vary greatly from 1 person to another. They also vary from 1 month to another. A decorator who works on commission may need to pay for costs if they make a mistake.
Common practice is an hourly rate for open-ended projects or a flat fee for a specific scope of work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $35.90 | $24.31 | $23.59 |
| Overall | $22.07 | $46.01 | $31.42 | $29.66 |
| Top | $22.85 | $71.95 | $39.59 | $36.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $62,660 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $64,281 |
| Retail Trade | $47,026 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $68,125 |
Decorating & Interior Design Association of Alberta (DIDAA) website: www.didaa.ca
Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) website: ddacanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
