Interior designers and interior decorators
Occupation · NOC 2021 52121 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 52121
- TEER
- 2
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 247
- Median wage, Canada
- C$28.85 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 607
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About this occupation
Interior designers and interior decorators conceptualize and produce aesthetic, functional and safe designs for interior spaces in residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and industrial buildings. They are employed by architectural and interior design firms, retail establishments, construction companies, hospitals, airlines, hotel and restaurant chains, and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.
Example job titles
- aircraft interior designer
- interior decorator
- interior design technician
- interior designer
- kitchen designer
- office space planner
- retail space planner
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space
- Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures using computer-assisted design (CAD) software and graphics software
- Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
- Estimate costs and materials required and may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
- Prepare plans and specifications for the final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment
- May direct site work crews and subcontractors.
- Interior designers are experts in the area of interior architecture, construction materials and building codes. They may specialize in designing interiors for residential, commercial, institutional, cultural and industrial buildings and for aircraft, ships or trains, trade shows and exhibitions. Interior decorators may specialize in decorating residential or commercial interior spaces, home staging, colour consulting and home organizing.
Employment requirements
- Interior designers
- A university degree or college diploma in interior design is usually required.
- The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination may be required after six years of combined study and experience.
- Certification by a provincial institute or association is required to use protected titles related to interior designers in all provinces except Prince Edward Island.
- Interior decorators
- A college certificate or diploma in interior decoration is usually required.
- Membership in the Canadian Decorators' Association is available to qualified decorators.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 3 |
- Tikal Construction Ltd4
- Canadoo Enterprises Inc.3
- 1873561 Ontario Inc3
- Ark Interiors Inc.3
- 1352866 Ontario Inc3
- J.Albert Cormier et fils inc.3
- BFJ DESIGN LTD3
- MC Kitchen Industrial Ltd.2
- New World Enterprises Inc.2
- 2277376 Ontario Inc.2
- Flora Di Menna Designs Inc.2
- IBI Group Architects (Canada) Inc.2
- Julie Charbonneau Design Inc.2
- Aritzia LP2
- Dialogue 38 Inc.2
Work permits
Work permit holders by year the permit took effect, mapped from NOC 2016 where the code has a single NOC 2021 successor (IRCC).
| Year | TFWP permits | IMP permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 70 |
| 2025 | 0 | 10 |
| 2024 | 0 | 15 |
| 2023 | 0 | 15 |
| 2022 | 0 | 10 |
| 2021 | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 | 0 | 10 |
| 2019 | 0 | 40 |
| 2018 | 5 | 35 |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 |
| 2016 | 5 | 15 |
| 2015 | 0 | 25 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2015 | 25 |
| 2016 | 20 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 40 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 70 |
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 155 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 20 |
- Canadian Experience Class565
- Federal Skilled Worker230
- Provincial Nominee Program20
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$18.35 | C$28.85 | C$48.72 |
| Alberta | C$21.00 | C$29.50 | C$42.88 |
| British Columbia | C$20.00 | C$31.25 | C$64.18 |
| Manitoba | C$19.50 | C$29.45 | C$42.05 |
| New Brunswick | C$18.31 | C$25.36 | C$31.62 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$18.97 | C$24.58 | C$37.90 |
| Nova Scotia | C$19.06 | C$25.40 | C$40.89 |
| Ontario | C$17.60 | C$27.40 | C$50.00 |
| Quebec | C$21.00 | C$27.56 | C$40.87 |
| Saskatchewan | C$15.35 | C$25.95 | C$40.00 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 607
- Vacancies advertised
- 651
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$25.00
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