Commercial and Industrial Designers
O*NET 27-1021.00 · SOC 27-1021
Commercial and Industrial Designer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $84k a year with +2.4% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Sketch and prototype product concepts
- →Conduct user research
- →Create 3D models and renderings
- →Collaborate with manufacturing on feasibility
- →Present design solutions to clients
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Commercial and Industrial Designer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Creative, studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Commercial and Industrial Designer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Commercial and Industrial Designer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Commercial and Industrial Designer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Commercial and Industrial Designers is projected to grow 2.4% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Commercial and Industrial Designer make?
The median Commercial and Industrial Designer earns $84k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Commercial and Industrial Designer jobs?
Our model puts Commercial and Industrial Designer at 24 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 47% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Commercial and Industrial Designer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Commercial and Industrial Designer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Commercial and Industrial Designer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Commercial and Industrial Designer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Commercial and Industrial Designer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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