Commercial and industrial designers
SOC Code: 27-1021Also known as:
Art Glass Designer, Automobile Designer, Bank Note Designer, Bicycle Designer, Bike Designer
Median Annual Salary
$79,450
+3.2% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
31K
Current Jobs
What Commercial and industrial designers Do
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
💰 Salary
$79,450
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
30,600
Projected Employment (2034)
31,600
Related Careers
Mechanical drafters
$68,510 •
-6.5% growth
Fashion designers
$80,690 •
+2.0% growth
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700 •
-18.2% growth
Patternmakers, metal and plastic
$54,540 •
-24.4% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
- Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
- Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
- Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
- Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.
- Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.
- Investigate product characteristics such as the product's safety and handling qualities, its market appeal, how efficiently it can be produced, and ways of distributing, using, and maintaining it.
- Develop manufacturing procedures and monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory to improve operations and product quality.
- Participate in new product planning or market research, including studying the potential need for new products.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Commercial and industrial designers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a commercial and industrial designers:
Design and Visual Communications, General
6,186 degrees awarded •
257 colleges offer this program
Commercial and Advertising Art
2,987 degrees awarded •
165 colleges offer this program
Industrial and Product Design
1,395 degrees awarded •
67 colleges offer this program
Energy Systems Technology/Technician
815 degrees awarded •
84 colleges offer this program
Packaging Science
391 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Commercial and industrial designers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become commercial and industrial designers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial and industrial designers make?
The median annual salary for commercial and industrial designers is $79,450.
What education do commercial and industrial designers need?
Most commercial and industrial designers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Design and Visual Communications, General, Commercial and Advertising Art, Industrial and Product Design.
Is becoming commercial and industrial designers a good career choice?
Commercial and industrial designers is projected to see +3.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for commercial and industrial designers?
Top colleges for aspiring commercial and industrial designers include
The University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California, Washington University in St Louis, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Davis.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to commercial and industrial designers?
Commercial and industrial designers may also be known as: Art Glass Designer, Automobile Designer, Bank Note Designer, Bicycle Designer, Bike Designer, Boat Designer, Body Stylist, Car Body Designer, Ceramic Designer, Ceramic Mold Designer, Cloth Designer, Color Advisor, Color Consultant, Color Expert, Commercial Designer, Design Engineer, Designer, Embroidery Designer, Fabric Designer, Fire Sprinkler Designer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.