Commercial and Industrial Designers
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.
SOC: 27-1021.00
Common Job Titles
Design EngineerDesignerIndustrial DesignerProduct Designer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeCreate product designs combining aesthetics, functionality, and manufacturability using CAD software and 3D modeling tools, integrating user research and material constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize technical constraints, aesthetic trends, and marketing insights to generate innovative solutions for consumer and industrial products.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate design alternatives against technical specifications and market requirements in collaborative team settings, balancing engineering feasibility with creative vision.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze product use patterns, ergonomics, and consumer needs through market research and user testing data to inform design decisions.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute technical drawings and detailed specifications for manufacturing using Autodesk AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and other CAD platforms following industry standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply engineering principles, material science, and production processes to optimize designs for cost-effectiveness and manufacturing efficiency.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate client feedback and stakeholder input with design objectives through active listening and negotiation during iterative design reviews.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop prototypes and mockups using digital rendering and 3D visualization software including Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino 3D, and Maya for client presentations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess design compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality benchmarks throughout product development lifecycle independently.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for user-centered design principles and sustainable material choices when presenting design rationale to interdisciplinary teams and management.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Commercial and Industrial Designers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
30,250
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $49,390 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $134,840 |
| Workers on average earn | $88,000 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Design4.7/5
- Engineering and Technology4.7/5
- Production and Processing4.0/5
- Mechanical4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopApache MavenApple iOSAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitCC#C++Cascading style sheets CSSDassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcGIS softwareFigmaHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordPythonSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLABTrimble SketchUp ProjQuery
Technology Skills
1CadCam UnigraphicsAdobe FreeHand MXAshlar-Vellum CobaltAutodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk AliasStudioAutodesk MayaChaos Group V-RayComputer aided manufacturing CAM software
Tools & Equipment
Compact digital camerasDesktop computersLaptop computersLiquid crystal display LCD video projectorsPersonal computersUniversal serial bus USB flash drives