Commercial and Industrial Designers
Commercial and industrial designers create the physical appearance and function of manufactured products like cars, appliances, and toys. They work in design studios, corporate offices, and specialized design firms, combining artistic skills with research on how people use products, market demand, and materials science to develop designs that are both visually appealing and practical.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial and industrial designers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves sketching concepts, building digital models using CAD software, and testing prototypes. Designers review manufacturing constraints with engineers, present design options to marketing teams, and incorporate client feedback through multiple revision rounds. Work includes researching competitor products, selecting materials, and collaborating with suppliers to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet cost targets.
Who this work suits
Holland code ARI. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd thrive in this role if you have strong artistic abilities and enjoy solving concrete, real-world problems about how objects function. This work suits people who want to see their ideas become tangible products that people use daily, combining creative vision with practical engineering considerations.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Staff Industrial Designer · hims & hers · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | $83,310 | $104,870 | $135,420 | 260 |
| Michigan | $69,300 | $102,160 | $124,960 | 2,930 |
| Massachusetts | $81,570 | $101,720 | $128,200 | 1,240 |
| Rhode Island | $78,250 | $101,140 | $125,650 | 190 |
| California | $76,060 | $100,770 | $133,190 | 5,300 |
| Louisiana | $53,190 | $98,040 | $110,170 | 130 |
| Minnesota | $75,490 | $94,370 | $103,080 | 590 |
| Washington | $80,580 | $94,280 | $127,570 | 340 |
| Arkansas | $79,770 | $92,540 | $118,340 | 230 |
| Georgia | $68,040 | $91,360 | $128,580 | 360 |
| Colorado | $59,480 | $90,590 | $107,990 | 400 |
| New Jersey | $75,400 | $90,310 | $105,570 | 1,230 |
All 41 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) — Building Industry Consulting Service International
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against commercial and industrial designers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-1021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.