Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary: $83,910 Median, How to Become One, and 2025 Outlook
Commercial and industrial designers earn a median $83,910 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The mean wage is $93,260, or roughly $40 an hour. The typical range runs from $53,460 at the 10th percentile to $139,770 at the 90th. That wide spread reflects differences in experience, industry, and location—Kansas-based designers average $104,870, while those in South Dakota average just $60,110.
How much Commercial and Industrial Designers earn
The national median salary for commercial and industrial designers is $83,910, with half earning more and half less. The mean wage is $93,260. Entry-level designers (10th percentile) earn about $53,460, while top earners (90th percentile) make $139,770 or more.
Hourly wages average $44.84, according to BLS estimates. That puts the occupation above the median for all U.S. workers. Pay varies significantly by industry—designers in scientific research and development services, for example, earn higher-than-average salaries.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot for this career. The highest-paying state is Kansas, where designers earn a mean $104,870. Michigan follows at $102,160, then Massachusetts ($101,720), Rhode Island ($101,140), and California ($100,770).
At the lower end, New Mexico pays $62,710, Utah $62,620, and South Dakota $60,110. That’s a gap of more than $40,000 between top and bottom states. Cost of living partly explains the spread, but not entirely—Kansas’s high average stands out.
How to become Commercial and Industrial Designer
Most commercial and industrial designers need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering. Programs typically include courses in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), materials science, and manufacturing processes.
A strong portfolio is essential for landing jobs. Internships during college provide practical experience and industry contacts. Professional certification isn’t mandatory, but the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) offers credentials that may boost competitiveness. Some states require registration for designers working on certain public projects, though that’s rare for this occupation.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field (e.g., mechanical engineering, architecture).
- Build a portfolio of design projects, including CAD renderings and physical prototypes.
- Complete an internship or cooperative education program to gain real-world experience.
- Consider IDSA certification or state registration if working on regulated products.
Job outlook
Employment for commercial and industrial designers is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 2,500 job openings per year, mostly due to replacement need as workers retire or change fields.
The number of designers currently employed is 33,490. Growth will be driven by demand for innovative, consumer-friendly products and more focus on sustainable design. Competition is strong for the best jobs, especially at larger firms and tech companies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a commercial and industrial designer?
The average (mean) salary is $93,260 per year, while the median is $83,910. The range is from about $53,460 to $139,770.
How do I become a commercial and industrial designer?
You typically need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering. Building a strong portfolio through projects and internships is crucial. No license is required for most positions, but IDSA certification can help.
What is the job growth for commercial and industrial designers?
Employment is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average, creating around 2,500 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Commercial and Industrial Designers data.