Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
SOC: 27-1021.00
Common Job Titles
Design Engineer
Designer
Industrial Designer
Product Designer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeCreate product designs combining aesthetics, functionality, and manufacturability using CAD software and 3D modeling tools, integrating user research and material constraints.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize technical constraints, aesthetic trends, and marketing insights to generate innovative solutions for consumer and industrial products.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate design alternatives against technical specifications and market requirements in collaborative team settings, balancing engineering feasibility with creative vision.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze product use patterns, ergonomics, and consumer needs through market research and user testing data to inform design decisions.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute technical drawings and detailed specifications for manufacturing using Autodesk AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and other CAD platforms following industry standards.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply engineering principles, material science, and production processes to optimize designs for cost-effectiveness and manufacturing efficiency.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate client feedback and stakeholder input with design objectives through active listening and negotiation during iterative design reviews.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop prototypes and mockups using digital rendering and 3D visualization software including Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino 3D, and Maya for client presentations.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess design compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality benchmarks throughout product development lifecycle independently.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for user-centered design principles and sustainable material choices when presenting design rationale to interdisciplinary teams and management.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Commercial and Industrial Designers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
30,250
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $49,390. 25th percentile: U.S. $62,040. 50th percentile: U.S. $79,450. 75th percentile: U.S. $103,170. 90th percentile: U.S. $134,840. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$49,390
10% of workers earn the following or more
$134,840
Workers on average earn
$88,000
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Design4.7/5
Engineering and Technology4.7/5
Production and Processing4.0/5
Mechanical4.0/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
