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My company does a minimum $5k salary bump for licensure.
I passed NCIDQ 2 years ago and received a one time $2500 bonus. When it came time for my yearly salary review I received a 5k salary increase. I also work at a small firm and I am about to hit my 5 year mark. I currently make 66k and feel like I am payed relatively well. I am hoping for around 70k at my next salary review based off of my current work load and responsibilities. I wish you the best of luck!!
I also received NCIDQ credentials a few years ago. It was for my own personal achievement. No company recognition, no raise, no acknowledgement in any way. I worked hard to earn it, but does having that certificate really make us better at our jobs?? No, the years, experience and work effort leading up to it does. Then the push and drive to better ourselves in our careers does. The 15-20% higher pay is probably because they’ve progressively earned it. The certificate doesn’t automatically make us as interior designers more valuable, it really shows that we’ve accomplished that milestone. I think it’s kind of a firm to recognize the accomplishment with a bonus, but honestly, they don’t get more out of us because we have that status- it’s ours for our resume. Then you’re able to apply for higher level positions- earning more money. Best wishes in your exams, they are challenging but feels so good to pass them!!!!
Following as I'll be in a similar position soon myself!
An interior designer friend of mine recently got a $3000 one time bonus for passing her NCIDQ tests. I haven’t heard of a firm giving a percentage raise for becoming licensed (architectural or interiors) without a promotion and job title change. I also got a one time bonus when I registered as a licensed architect. A promotion (and raise) followed about a year later. We’re both based in Phoenix.
I’m surprised that was all - there are articles that say NCIDQ certified interior designers are paid 20% more on average…. So I was thinking it would be closer to that range of increase, at least 8-10%
Sometimes new credentials do not provide any perceived benefit to your employer.
I would start this conversation early in terms of your soon to be added value, new responsibilities, that should increase the company’s bottom line.
You will be able to see if you have a future or if you should find appreciation elsewhere.
Thank you for your thoughts! This does bring a new perspective to it.