The Commercial/Industrial Designer employs an understanding of design, engineering, marketing, psychology, and other skills to design or improve the products we use every day. Though many designers specialize in a particular product category such as cars, appliances, tech goods, medical equipment or even toys, they all combine an appreciation for art, business and engineering in their work of developing and improving products.

Many designers who work for design firms get their assignments from clients, who wish to turn their product ideas into reality so that they can be tested. The designers must gather from the clients all the information they need to perform their assignments. They will often present several possible design sketches, each with its own advantages and drawbacks, in order to discuss the client’s preferences, and to move on to a more thorough design stage.
Average Salary:

$62,000.
Average Hours (per week):

The designer works an average forty-hour week. Because of the nature of product design, there are not usually the overnight deadlines that require overtime.
Union:

No.
Certifications:

A good design portfolio and a certificate in Computer Aided Design are essential.
Training Period:

A bachelor’s degree in industrial design or engineering is necessary. Many designers also pursue master’s degrees for better entry-level positions. Courses should include design, CAD, manufacturing methods, engineering, math, and psychology. An understanding of marketing and business is helpful. One to three years of on-the-job training is required before one can expect to move up
Strongest Market(s):

California is and will continue to be the entrepreneurial center of the world, and the natural home base for anyone wanting to create the next big product in any number of industries. However, any big city will have product-design firms that are producing great ideas, products, and product innovations.
Entry Level Salary:

$30,000. Higher salaries are expected by candidates with Master’s degrees.
Top Salary:

$95,000. More for management positions.
Job Growth Forecast:
The ten-year forecast for commercial/industrial designers working in companies and design firms is 7 percent. Though that is lower than the national average, there is a particular need in the growing high-tech world.

Related posts:

1. Design Manager
2. Design Director
3. Fashion Designer
4. Interior Designer
5. Book Designer