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Interior design is a creative and rewarding field that allows individuals to use their imagination and sense of style to transform homes and businesses into stylish and functional spaces.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in interior design, Vermont is a great state to consider.
The Green Mountain State is home to several highly respected interior design schools, and its scenic beauty makes it a great place to live and work.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of the top interior design schools in Vermont, as well as provide information on interior design salaries in the state.
With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not a career in interior design is right for you.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements for Interior Designers in Vermont
To become an interior designer in Vermont, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in interior design from an accredited institution.
After you have graduated, you will need to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.
Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to apply for a license from the Vermont Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
Once you have met all the requirements, you can submit an application to the Board, along with the appropriate fee.
The fee for this license is $315, and it must be renewed every two years.
Interior Design Programs in Vermont
There are several top-notch interior design programs located in Vermont.
These programs typically last between 2 and four years, are both public and private, offer associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs, and they will certainly prepare you for a career in the field.
Here are five of the top interior design schools in Vermont:
| School Name | School Type and Setting | Interior Design and Related Programs Offered | Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
| Bennington College | 4-year, private not-for-profit; distant town | Bachelor of Arts, Individualized Plan | $53,860* (undergraduate) |
| Manchester Community College | 2-year, public; midsize city | Certificate in Interior Design, Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design |
$7,520 in-state* $16,320 out-of-state* (undergraduate) |
| Middlebury College | 4-year, private not-for-profit; distant town | Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies/Environmental Studies |
$54,450* (undergraduate) |
| University of Massachusetts – Amherst | 4-year, public; large suburb | Master of Science in Design | $15,887 in-state* $34,570 out-of-state* (graduate) |
| Vermont Technical College | 4-year, public; remote rural | Associate of Applied Science in Architectural and Building Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology |
$15,108 in-state* $27,780 out-of-state* (undergraduate) |
This table was sourced directly from BestAccreditedColleges.org and indirectly from *NCES College Navigator
Interior Design Schools in Vermont – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bennington College | One College Drive Bennington, VT 05201-6003 |
| Manchester Community College | P.O. Box 1046 Manchester, CT 06045-1046 |
| Middlebury College | 14 Old Chapel Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753 |
| University of Massachusetts - Amherst | Amherst, MA 01003 |
| Vermont Technical College | 124 Admin Dr, Randolph Center, VT 05061 |
Interior Designer Salary Expectations
The average salary for an entry-level interior designer in Vermont is $46,965 per year.
However, experienced designers can earn significantly more than this.
The top 10% of experienced earners in the field make an average of $83,748 per year, while the bottom 10% of entry-level earners make an average of $28,379 per year.
Salaries will vary depending on your experience, education, and the specific industry you work in.
For example, those who work in architectural firms tend to earn more than those who work in home furnishing stores.
Several factors can affect an interior designer’s salary.
The most important factor is experience.
In general, the more experience you have, the more money you will be able to earn.
Additionally, your education level can also affect your earnings potential.
Those with a master’s degree in interior design will usually earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Finally, the specific industry you work in can also have an impact on your salary.
The average entry-level interior designer salary in the United States is currently listed at $48,769.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Burlington | $48,022 |
| Essex | $48,022 |
| Rutland | $48,455 |
| Colchester | $48,022 |
| South Burlington | $48,022 |
| Bennington | $49,288 |
| Brattleboro | $49,437 |
| Hartford | $49,988 |
| Milton | $47,993 |
| Barre | $47,584 |
Regional Salary in Vermont
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 30 | $75,850 | $36.47 | $111,060 | $49,330 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vermont a great place for interior design?
Vermont is a great place to pursue a career in interior design for several reasons.
First, the state is home to several highly respected interior design schools.
Second, Vermont’s scenic beauty makes it a great place to live and work.
Finally, Vermont offers high salaries for experienced interior designers.
With its top-notch interior design programs and high salaries, Vermont is a great state to consider if you are interested in a career in this field.
What famous interior designers are from Vermont?
Some of the most famous interior designers from Vermont include Candice Olson, Jonathan Adler, and Nate Berkus.
These designers are known for their unique styles and ability to create beautiful and functional spaces.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in interior design, studying the work of these renowned designers is a great way to get started.
What kind of weather can you expect while living in Vermont?
The weather in Vermont can vary depending on the time of year.
In general, the summers are warm and humid, while the winters are cold and snowy.
However, because Vermont is located in the northeastern United States, the state can experience extreme weather conditions at any time of year.
For example, Vermont was hit by Hurricane Irene in 2011, which caused extensive damage to the state.
As a result, it is important to be prepared for any type of weather when living in Vermont.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State