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Interior designers are more than decorators.
An interior designer works to create environments that are functional, safe, and visually appealing.
Designers must take a client’s goals and objectives and work to bring them into reality.
If you are considering a career as an interior designer in Montana, here is what you need to know.
Article Table of Contents
Montana Requirements for Interior Designers
There are no state regulations for interior designers in Montana.
However, most employers will expect applicants to have a degree or a certificate of completion from an interior design program.
Students should look for programs that will provide them with the skills that they will need to succeed in this field, such as drafting, computer-aided design, and project management.
Even though Montana does not have specific requirements for interior designers, competition for positions can be competitive, especially at successful design firms.
Completing internships, creating a strong design portfolio, and obtaining membership in professional associations, such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the U.S. Green Building Council, are some of the many things designers can do to give themselves an edge.
5 Interior Design Schools In Montana
Interior designers should be familiar with building codes as well as design tools like AutoCAD and SketchUp.
Students should look for programs that will provide them with the skills and knowledge they need for entry-level positions in the field.
While interior design programs are a solid option, programs that teach drafting and environmental design could also be a strong choice.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers, students should also consider the length of the program, tuition costs, and the school itself.
These are five of the best programs for interior designers in Montana.
Montana State University
This two-year program is designed to provide students with the skills they will need to work in both residential and commercial design.
Students will learn to use AutoCAD, draft by hand, and will be educated on building codes, construction materials, and more.
Tuition for Montana residents is currently $7,528, making the total cost to complete the program approximately $15,056.
The School of Architecture at Montana State University
Students that would prefer a four-year degree may want to consider MSU’s Environmental Design undergraduate program.
While this program can prepare students to pursue a Master of Architecture, it can also help students build the skills necessary to work in interior design.
Tuition costs for Montana residents will be about $7,528 per semester.
Helena College
Helena College offers both one-year certificate programs and two-year associate degree programs for interior design students.
There are two programs that train students for a career in interior design: the Interior Space Planning and Design program and the Environmental Design Studies program.
In both programs, students will be trained in CAD, building codes and regulations, and the fundamentals of interior design.
The tuition cost can range from $3,700 to $11,200, depending on the total length of the program.
Great Falls College Montana State University
This two-year program, which is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), is designed to provide students with the skills and training they need to work in either residential or commercial design.
As a part of the program, students will complete 160 internship hours, giving them hands-on experience within the industry.
The estimated cost of the program for Montana residents is $6,953.
Montana Technical University
The two-year Drafting Technology program at MTU teaches students to use both manual and computer-aided drafting equipment, preparing them for careers that require drafting, like Interior Design.
Since this program is not focused on interior design, students may also want to pursue internships to better round out their experience within the field.
In-state students will pay tuition costs of approximately $7,580 per semester.
Interior Design Schools in Montana – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Montana State University | Culbertson Hall, 100, Bozeman, MT 59717 |
| The School of Architecture at Montana State University | P.O. Box 173760 Bozeman, MT |
| Helena College | 1115 North Roberts St Helena Montana, 59601 |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | 2100 16th Avenue South Great Falls, MT 59405 |
| Montana Technical University | 1300 West Park Street Butte, MT 59701 |
Salary
On average, interior designers in Montana earn $52,410 per year.
Salaries typically start at around $39,030 but can rise as high as $80,760. (7)
There are many different factors that can impact salary, including education level, experience, certifications, and the city the job is in.
While salaries for interior designers in Montana fall slightly below the national average, qualified professionals will still find a wide range of opportunities.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $46,705 |
| Missoula | $40,308 |
| Great Falls | $42,283 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $40,308 |
| Bozeman | $40,308 |
| Helena | $41,039 |
| Kalispell | $42,828 |
| Havre | $41,551 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $40,308 |
| Miles City | $45,974 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 90 | $53,140 | $25.55 | $77,440 | $22,180 |
| Missoula, MT | 30 | $50,870 | $24.46 | $78,850 | $23,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
- http://catalog.montana.edu/undergraduate/gallatin-college/workforce-programs/interior-design/
- https://www.helenacollege.edu/academics/programs/interior/
- http://assistive.gfcmsu.edu/h5/assistive/catalog/r/catalog.gfcmsu.edu/archive/2017-2018/academic-programs/interior-design
- https://catalog.mtech.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=397
- https://www.cidq.org/paths
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the top interior design firms in Montana located?
There are employment opportunities for interior designers throughout Montana, but many of the state’s leading firms are based in Boseman.
These firms include G.V. Design Group, Pearson Design Group, and the Gallatin Valley Design Group.
Do I need to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam?
Montana does not require interior designers to sit for the NCIDQ exam, but completing this exam could provide professional opportunities.
To take the exam, students must have a degree or certificate from an interior design program and at least two years of full-time work experience.
NCIDQ Certification is a way for designers to establish that they meet industry standards and are proficient within their field.
Who can call themselves an interior designer in Montana?
The interior design profession is currently not regulated by Montana, and because of that, anyone is free to describe themselves as an interior designer.
Most design firms in the state will require designers to have a degree in a relevant field.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State