What Industrial Designers DoDesign 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.
- 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.
Industrial Designers Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings2,500 Annually
Median Earnings
$93,300 in California
$79,450 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.
@designerti
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Being creative or artistic
- Influencing or leading others
- Working with my hands
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Time Management
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Industrial Designers Explained
Industrial DesignerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
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What Is the Arts Media & Performance Industry?
Arts Media & PerformanceThe primary activities of this group involve creating, producing, and promoting artistic and cultural works, facilitating entertainment and sports-related activities, and sharing news and information to audiences through various media platforms.