20 Best Paying Jobs in Home Furnishings | Entry-Level Jobs Included

The best paying jobs in Home Furnishings include Interior Designer, Product Development Manager, Sales Manager, Merchandising Manager, and E-commerce Manager. These roles require specialized knowledge and expertise to design and implement home decor solutions that meet clients’ needs and preferences, hence the high pay.

What Do Home Furnishings Jobs Pay?

The average annual salary in the Home Furnishings industry is around $53,000. Entry-level positions, such as Home Furnishings Sales Associate earn around $26,000 annually. In contrast, Product Development Manager and other specialized positions can earn an annual average of $97,000 to $122,000.

15 Highest Paying Home Furnishings Jobs with Good Salaries

  1. Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

Average Annual Salary: $197,500

A Product Development Manager oversees the development of new products from conception to launch. They earn a high salary due to their ability to identify and meet consumer needs and preferences, as well as their project management skills. This is one of the best career paths in Home Furnishings.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design or a related field. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 6% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create approximately 9,200 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Merchandising Manager

Average Annual Salary: $193,520

A Merchandising Manager manages the selection, pricing, and display of products in a retail setting. They earn a high salary due to their ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior, and their expertise in product placement and promotion.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in business or a related field. The job growth rate is negative, as the BLS projects a 3% decline from 2021 to 2031. This will result in a loss of approximately 2,900 job opportunities in the US.


  1. Retail Sales Manager

Average Annual Salary: $193,000

A Retail Sales Manager oversees and manages the sales activities of a retail store or chain They earn a high pay due to their responsibility for meeting sales targets and driving revenue growth. Skills required include strong leadership skills, sales skills, customer service skills, and business acumen.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field. The job outlook is positive with 2% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 5,600 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Senior Buyer

Average Annual Salary: $184,030

A Senior Buyers sources and purchases goods for a Home Furnishings company. They earn a high salary due to their ability to negotiate prices and contracts, manage supplier relationships, and analyze market trends.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field, with experience. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 3% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create about 900 new job opportunities in the US.

  1. Senior Interior Designer

Senior Interior Designer

Average Annual Salary: $182,187

A Senior Interior Designer develops and designs interior spaces for commercial and residential clients. They earn a high salary due to their skill in space planning, color theory, and interior design software.

The minimum educational requirements is a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, with experience and certification preferred. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 3% increase from 2021-2031. This will create over 2,600 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Development Manager

Average Annual Salary: $180,000

A Development Manager manages the development and production of new home furnishings products. They earn a high salary due to their skill in product design, project management, and budgeting.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field, with experience. The job outlook is positive with 3% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create over 1,700 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Advertising Manager

Average Annual Salary: $177,000

An Advertising Manager oversees the advertising and promotional campaigns for a Home Furnishings company or product. They earn a high pay due to their responsibility for driving sales and revenue growth. Skills required include strong leadership skills, creativity, communication skills, business acumen, and knowledge of advertising trends and strategies.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising, Marketing, or related field. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 4% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create over 1,200 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Industrial Designer

Average Annual Salary: $175,000

An Industrial Designer designs and develops products for Home Furnishings companies or manufacturers. They earn a high pay due to their responsibility for designing and developing products that meet consumer needs. Skills required include excellent design skills, creativity, knowledge of materials and production methods, and ability to work with computer-aided design (CAD) software.

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The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design or related field. The job outlook is positive with 3% growth rate from 2021 to 2031. This will create over 500 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Interior Designer

Average Annual Salary: $168,340

An Interior Designer plans and creates functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. They earn a high salary due to their specialized knowledge and expertise in Design, Architecture, and Construction.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or a related field. The job outlook is positive with 4% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create approximately 4,900 new job opportunities in the US.

  1. Textile Designer

Textile Designer

Average Annual Salary: $167,790

A Textile Designer creates and develops designs for fabrics used in home furnishings. They earn a high salary due to their ability to create innovative and marketable designs.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design or a related field. The job outlook is negative with 2% decline rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will result in a loss of approximately 100 job opportunities in the US.


  1. Furniture Designer

Average Annual Salary: $163,960

A Furniture Designer creates and develops furniture designs for both residential and commercial spaces. They earn a high salary due to their ability to develop functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture designs.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Furniture Design or a related field. The job growth rate is negative, as the BLS projects a 3% decline from 2021 to 2031. This will result in a loss of approximately 200 job opportunities in the US.


  1. Design Director

Average Annual Salary: $129,000

A Design Director leads the design team and oversees the development of new products and designs for a Home Furnishings company. They earn a high pay due to their responsibility of overseeing the entire design process. Leadership, creativity, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills are some skills they need.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Fine Arts or related field. The job outlook is positive with 3% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create about 1,200 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Sales Manager

Average Annual Salary: $122,770

A Sales Manager manages sales teams and generates revenue for their company. They earn a high salary due to their ability to develop sales strategies, manage customer relationships, and drive sales growth.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related field. The job outlook is positive with 5% growth rate from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create approximately 19,300 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Merchandise Manager

Average Annual Salary: $114,000

A Merchandise Manager manages the buying and merchandising for a Home Furnishings company. They earn a high pay because they make crucial decisions for product development and sales. Skills required include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, negotiation skills, knowledge of market trends, and business acumen.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 6% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create over 3,800 new job opportunities in the US.

  1. E-commerce Manager

Average Annual Salary: $105,590

An E-commerce Manager oversees the online sales and marketing strategies of a company. They earn a high salary due to their ability to increase online sales, manage customer relationships, and analyze online consumer behavior.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related field. The job outlook is positive with 10% growth rate from 2021 to 2031. This will create approximately 1,900 new job opportunities in the US.

5 Highest Paying Entry-Level Home Furnishings Jobs with Good Salaries

  1. Home Stager

Home Stager

Average Annual Salary: $70,000

A Home Stager prepares homes for sale by arranging furniture, decor, and accessories in a visually appealing way. They work with real estate agents and homeowners to create a space that appeals to potential buyers.

The minimum educational requirement is a High School Diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 8% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create approximately 600 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. E-commerce Merchandiser

Average Annual Salary: $66,000

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An E-commerce Merchandiser manages online product catalogs, optimizes product descriptions and images, and monitors product performance. They collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to ensure the online store is appealing and engaging to customers.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 10% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create approximately 8,400 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Sales Representative

Average Annual Salary: $65,000

A Sales Representative sells furniture and home decor products to customers. They identify prospective customers, make sales presentations, and provide product information and recommendations.

The minimum educational requirement is a High School Diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 2% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create approximately 24,100 new job opportunities in the US.


  1. Visual Merchandiser

Average Annual Salary: $62,000

A Visual Merchandiser creates visually appealing displays in stores or showrooms to attract customers and promote products. They use their creativity and knowledge of design principles to arrange furniture, decor, and accessories in an appealing way.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field. The job growth rate is positive, as the BLS projects a 3% increase from 2021 to 2031. This will create over 1,000 new job opportunities in the US.

  1. Interior Designer

Interior Designer

Average Annual Salary: $60,000

An Interior Designer plans and designs indoor spaces, such as homes, offices, and other buildings. They work with clients to understand their preferences, recommend furniture and decor, and create floor plans and 3D models.

The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or a related field. The job outlook is positive with growth rate of 3% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. This will create approximately 1,300 new job opportunities in the US.

How to Apply and Get a High Paying Job in Home Furnishings?

If you want to land a high paying job in Home Furnishings, you need to have the right skills, education, and training.

5 actionable steps to get a high paying job in Home Furnishings:


  1. Education

Pursue a degree in a relevant field such as Interior Design, Industrial Design, or Business. Some employers may also require a degree in Marketing or Finance.


  1. Gain experience

Consider internships or entry-level positions in the Home Furnishings industry to gain experience and build a network of contacts.


  1. Develop skills

Hone skills such as design, merchandising, marketing, or sales to become an expert in your area of interest. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.


  1. Obtain certifications

Consider obtaining certifications in relevant areas. These include the Certified Interior Designer (CID) certification, Certified Sales Professional (CSP) certification, or Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) certification.


  1. Network

Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and participate in online forums to expand your network and gain exposure to potential employers. Stay up-to-date with industry news and trends to stay ahead of the competition.

Where to Find the Best Paying Jobs in Home Furnishings?

Finding the best paying jobs in Home Furnishings can be a challenge, but with the right resources, it’s possible.

5 important sources to find the best paying jobs in Home Furnishings:


  1. Furniture Today

Furniture Today is a leading industry publication that provides news, trends, and job listings for the Home Furnishings industry.


  1. Interior Design Jobs

Interior Design Jobs is a job board that exclusively lists jobs in the Interior Design industry, including Home Furnishings.


  1. International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA)

The IFDA is a professional organization for the Home Furnishings and Interior Design industry, providing career resources, networking opportunities, and job postings.


  1. Home Furnishings Business

Home Furnishings Business is another industry publication that provides news, trends, and job listings for the Home Furnishings industry.


  1. National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA)

The NHFA is a trade association for the Home Furnishings industry that provides career resources, networking opportunities, and job listings.

What are the Skills to Get a High Paying Job in Home Furnishings?

To land a high paying job in Home Furnishings, you need to have a specific set of skills that are in demand in the industry.

5 top-level skills essential to getting a high-paying job in Home Furnishings:


  1. Design skills

Having a strong eye for design is essential in the Home Furnishings industry. This includes an understanding of color theory, proportion, and texture, as well as knowledge of design software and tools.


  1. Sales skills

The ability to sell furniture and home decor is a key skill in Home Furnishings. Sales professionals need to be persuasive, confident, and knowledgeable about the products they are selling.


  1. Project management skills

Many roles in Home Furnishings require project management skills to keep track of timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong organization, planning, and communication skills are critical to success.


  1. Creativity

A creative mindset is important in the Home Furnishings industry, whether it’s coming up with new product designs or marketing campaigns. The ability to think outside the box and innovate is highly valued.


  1. Customer service skills

Providing excellent customer service is crucial in Home Furnishings, where customers often invest significant amounts of money in their purchases. Skills such as active listening, empathy, and problem-solving are essential for building customer loyalty.

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Top 10 Companies with the Highest-Paying Jobs in Home Furnishings

  1. Ikea
  2. Williams-Sonoma
  3. Bed Bath & Beyond
  4. Restoration Hardware
  5. Havertys
  6. Rooms To Go
  7. La-Z-Boy
  8. Pier 1 Imports
  9. Ethan Allen
  10. Crate & Barrel

Table showing the top 10 Home Furnishings companies with the highest paying jobs:

S/N Name of Company Size (No. of Employees) Highest Paying Job Title Salary
1 Ikea 211,000 Interior Designer $80,000
2 Williams-Sonoma 9,800 Director of Merchandising $162,000
3 Bed Bath & Beyond 62,000 Creative Director $177,000
4 Restoration Hardware 5,500 Director of Design $162,000
5 Havertys 4,100 Furniture Designer $72,000
6 Rooms To Go 7,000 Store Manager $73,000
7 La-Z-Boy 9,000 Design Manager $96,000
8 Pier 1 Imports 18,000 Visual Merchandiser $58,000
9 Ethan Allen 5,000 Design Consultant $68,000
10 Crate & Barrel 7,000 Merchandise Manager $95,000

What are the Factors Determining an Employee’s Salary in the Home Furnishings Industry?

When it comes to the salaries of employees in the Home Furnishings sector, there are several factors that come into play. These factors can significantly impact the amount of money that an employee can earn in this industry.

5 most critical factors impacting workers’ salaries in the Home Furnishings industry:


  1. Experience

The more experience an employee has, the higher their salary is likely to be. Experienced employees bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and this is highly valued in the Home Furnishings industry.


  1. Education

Education also plays a significant role in determining an employee’s salary in the Home Furnishings sector. Employees with higher levels of education are often seen as more qualified and are thus more likely to earn higher salaries.


  1. Job title

Different job titles within the Home Furnishings sector have different salary ranges. For example, management positions typically have higher salaries than entry-level positions.


  1. Location

The location of a job also affects the salary that an employee can expect to earn. Some cities and regions have higher costs of living, and thus higher salaries, while others have lower costs of living and lower salaries.


  1. Company size

The size of the company an employee works for can also have an impact on their salary. Larger companies may have more resources to offer higher salaries and better benefits packages, while smaller companies may have more limited resources.

Conclusion: 20 Best Paying Jobs in Home Furnishings

From Interior Designers to Marketing Managers, skilled professionals in the Home Furnishings sector can enjoy a fulfilling career path with high earning potential. As the demand for quality home décor and furnishings continues to grow, there will be more high paying jobs available in this industry.

FAQs: 20 Best Paying Jobs in Home Furnishings

Which job is best in Home Furnishings?

Some of the best-paying and most in-demand jobs in the Home Furnishings industry include Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, Sales Manager, among others.

Which country is best for Home Furnishings jobs?

Some of the countries with a strong presence in the Home Furnishings industry include the United States, Italy, China, Germany, and France.