Industrial Designer

Your Fit

Income

$79K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

2.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Industrial Designer?

An Industrial Designer combines art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products. This role involves designing products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, ergonomic, and suitably priced.

Sample job titles:

Design Engineer, Designer, Industrial Designer, Product Designer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Industrial Designer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Industrial Designer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$49K per year	$62K per year	$79K per year	$103K per year	$135K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $30K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Industrial Designer do?

Work environment

Industrial Designers typically work in design studios, manufacturing firms, or corporate environments. They may also be part of a design consultancy or work as freelancers. The work often involves collaboration with engineers, marketers, and other designers, and can require working with various design software and tools.

Quick task list

Develops design concepts for various products, including electronics, appliances, cars, and toys.
Creates sketches and renderings of design ideas.
Uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to refine designs.
Collaborates with engineers and marketers to ensure product feasibility and marketability.
Prototypes and tests design concepts.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Consumer Electronics Design: Designing aesthetically appealing and functional electronic products like smartphones and laptops.
Automotive Design: Specializing in the appearance and ergonomics of vehicles.
Furniture Design: Creating functional and stylish furniture and home products.
Toy Design: Developing toys that are safe, engaging, and educational for children.
Medical Equipment Design: Designing medical devices and equipment with a focus on functionality and user safety.

Description

Industrial Designers play a critical role in product development, blending creative design skills with an understanding of manufacturing processes and consumer needs. Their work begins with identifying the requirements for a new product, followed by developing and testing design concepts. They must consider various aspects, such as the product's purpose, cost, production processes, and user experience.

A significant part of an Industrial Designer's job involves using CAD software to create detailed designs and specifications. They often work on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills. Collaboration with other professionals, such as engineers and marketing specialists, is also crucial to ensure that the final product meets all necessary criteria.

The field of industrial design is constantly evolving with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Designers must stay updated with the latest trends and technologies, often requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Career progression can lead to senior design roles, project management, or consultancy work.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Seeing your creative ideas turn into tangible products used by people.
The challenge and variety of working on different types of products.
The opportunity to influence and improve the user experience and functionality of everyday items.
Recognition and appreciation for innovative and successful designs.

You might make a good Industrial Designer if you are...

Creative and have a strong sense of aesthetics.
Interested in how products are made and how they function.
Proficient in using design software and able to visualize concepts effectively.
Good at problem-solving and critical thinking.
Able to work well in a team and communicate your ideas clearly.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a creative and dynamic field.
Satisfaction from seeing your designs come to life and enter the market.
Diverse career opportunities across various industries.

Cons:

May face tight deadlines and a high-pressure work environment.
The need to constantly update skills and adapt to new technologies.
Balancing creativity with practicality and market demands can be challenging.

How to become an Industrial Designer

Typical education

Most Industrial Designer positions require a bachelor's degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering, which typically involves 4 years of undergraduate study. Some designers pursue additional education or specialized training in related fields.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and Design classes to develop your creative skills.
Mathematics and Physics to understand basic engineering principles.
Computer Science, particularly CAD and graphic design software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or similar groups to understand product design and functionality.
Participating in design competitions or workshops.
Volunteering or interning at a design studio or manufacturing company.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in industrial design, product design, or a related field.
Complete internships or cooperative education programs to gain practical experience.
Develop a strong portfolio showcasing your design projects.
Stay updated with the latest design software and technology trends.
Consider a master's degree for advanced positions or specialized fields.

More resources

Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) - Provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for industrial designers.
Core77 - An online design magazine and community with industry news, discussions, and job listings.
Behance - A platform to showcase and discover creative work, including industrial design portfolios.
Autodesk Design Academy - Offers tutorials and courses in various design software used in industrial design.

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