Industrial Designer

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Work Tasks

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS combine practical knowledge with artistic ability to turn ideas into designs for the merchandise we buy. They may specialize in a particular area of design such as automobiles, industrial or medical equipment, or home appliances. Industrial designers develop ideas to design manufactured products such as airplanes, computer equipment, sports equipment, office or recreational equipment, and children's toys. They combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, materials, and production methods to create the most functional and appealing design that will be competitive with others in the market place.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $68,500 average per year ($33.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (28,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Entry Requirements

The minimum required education for an INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER is a bachelor's degree in industrial design. Many candidates in industrial design pursue a Master's degree to better compete for open positions. A few schools offer a master's degree. No special licensing or certification is required for industrial designers.