Life As a Commercial and Industrial Designer
Example of Commercial & Industrial Designer Job Develop and design 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.
A Day in the Life of a Commercial & Industrial Designer
- Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration, or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.
- Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
- Fabricate models or samples in paper, wood, glass, fabric, plastic, metal, or other materials, using hand or power tools.
- Advise corporations on issues involving corporate image projects or problems.
- Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.
- Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
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Qualities of a Commercial & Industrial Designer
These are the skills Commercial and Industrial Designers say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Fabric Designer
- Stained Glass Window Designer
- Automotive Designer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Snowboard Designer
Job Outlook for Commercial and Industrial Designers
In the United States, there were 39,700 jobs for Commercial and Industrial Designer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.3% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,700 new jobs for Commercial and Industrial Designer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,900 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Commercial & Industrial Designer are Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Kentucky, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Commercial & Industrial Designer
The salary for Commercial and Industrial Designers ranges between about $38,630 and $108,040 a year.

Commercial and Industrial Designers who work in Arkansas, Louisiana, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Commercial and Industrial Designers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $65,330 |
Arizona | $77,920 |
Arkansas | $82,070 |
California | $77,580 |
Colorado | $62,590 |
Connecticut | $74,420 |
Florida | $66,850 |
Georgia | $60,030 |
Hawaii | $58,960 |
Idaho | $75,150 |
Illinois | $67,550 |
Indiana | $65,520 |
Iowa | $60,750 |
Kansas | $66,620 |
Kentucky | $62,150 |
Louisiana | $76,520 |
Maine | $57,570 |
Maryland | $63,020 |
Massachusetts | $81,660 |
Michigan | $75,430 |
Minnesota | $66,780 |
Missouri | $67,530 |
Montana | $59,170 |
Nebraska | $66,730 |
Nevada | $69,010 |
New Hampshire | $63,950 |
New Jersey | $85,000 |
New Mexico | $63,560 |
New York | $74,830 |
North Carolina | $74,880 |
Ohio | $65,520 |
Oklahoma | $63,360 |
Oregon | $84,290 |
Pennsylvania | $66,330 |
Rhode Island | $74,170 |
South Carolina | $81,570 |
South Dakota | $43,950 |
Tennessee | $56,800 |
Texas | $74,600 |
Utah | $53,540 |
Vermont | $66,180 |
Virginia | $65,300 |
Washington | $82,740 |
West Virginia | $54,840 |
Wisconsin | $58,400 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Commercial and Industrial Designers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Commercial and Industrial Designers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Email software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
How to Become a Commercial & Industrial Designer
What kind of Commercial and Industrial Designer requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Commercial and Industrial Designers Sector

Commercial and Industrial Designers work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Commercial and Industrial Designer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Szilas in the Budapest Museum of Applied Arts via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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