How to become commercial and industrial designerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Design Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$83,910

25th–75th pct. $66,450–$109,050

Top pay (est.)

$181,700

Top 10% $139,770

Pay in 5 years

$94,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$106,800est.

$91,800–$124,000

Outlook score

49/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

66%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.4%

2,800 openings / yr

How to become commercial and industrial designers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Commercial and Industrial Designers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Active Learning

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Speaking

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Operations Analysis

3.9

Writing

3.9

Complex Problem Solving

3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design

6.0

Engineering and Technology

5.7

Computers and Electronics

4.8

Production and Processing

4.6

Mechanical

4.6

Mathematics

4.2

Administration and Management

3.9

Education and Training

3.9

What the work involves

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting Information

Important abilities

Deductive ReasoningOriginalityVisualizationNear VisionOral ExpressionFluency of Ideas

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

68%

Some college

15%

Associate's degree

12%

High school diploma

Training before entry

None / short demo

29%

Up to 1 month

27%

3–6 months

21%

1–3 months

18%

4–10 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

42%

6–12 months

16%

Up to 1 month

11%

6–8 years

11%

4–6 years

8–10 years

None

3–6 months

Over 10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as commercial and industrial designers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Graphic Designers Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos.	$62,960	40/100	63%
2	Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.	$39,390	51/100	23%
3	Interior Designers Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings.	$67,190	52/100	66%
4	Art Directors Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film.	$114,850	69/100	60%
5	Floral Designers Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.	$37,360	36/100	42%
6	Special Effects Artists and Animators Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.	$102,030	55/100	59%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.