How to become an Interior Decorator
Plans the interior styling of commercial or residential premises and arranges for decorating work to be done.
Main tasks
- Consults with clients to determine styling preferences and requirements
- Develops decorating concepts and plans, and presents them to clients for approval
- Selects and sources materials, furnishings and accessories
- Collaborates with Architects, contractors and clients to implement the interior styling plan
- Installs and arranges decorations
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Interior Decoration. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40122); Advanced Diploma of Interior Design (MSF60122); Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222); Certificate III in Interior Decoration Retail Services (MSF31018); Certificate IV in Kitchen and Bathroom Design (MSF40318)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $105,872 a year
- About 24,900 people work in this job group now, and about 28,300 are projected by 2035. (+13.9%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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- Jeweller
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Interior Decorator?
Ways in include: Certificate IV in Interior Decoration; Advanced Diploma of Interior Design; Certificate IV in Interior Decoration.
How much does an Interior Decorator earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $105,872 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Interior Decorator a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 24,900 to about 28,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Interior Decorator?
Not always. 26% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Interior Decoration; Advanced Diploma of Interior Design; Certificate IV in Interior Decoration.
Will AI change the work of an Interior Decorator?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04