A commercial and industrial designer creates the form and function of products, from consumer goods to industrial equipment. You'll blend creativity with engineering knowledge, solve real problems, and shape how things work and look. Most roles require a bachelor's degree.
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Commercial and industrial designers develop concepts and detailed specifications for manufactured products. You draft technical drawings, lay out parts and systems, and decide on materials and production methods. Much of your work happens on computers, using design software to model and refine ideas. You'll communicate with engineers, manufacturers, and supervisors to understand constraints and goals. You think creatively to solve problems, gather information from stakeholders, and apply knowledge of mechanics, materials, and manufacturing processes to bring ideas to life.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Commercial and Industrial Designers earn a median of $83,910 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 2,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most commercial and industrial designers earn a bachelor's degree in design, engineering, or a related field. Your coursework covers design principles, computer-aided design software, materials science, and mechanical engineering. The path requires considerable preparation and technical skill. During your studies, you'll build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your ability to solve design problems. Internships and project-based learning help you develop the practical skills employers seek before you graduate.
The main route is a bachelor's degree program, which typically takes four years. Since design careers can vary in focus and specialization, Pathly can map the commercial and industrial designer path that fits you with your counselor to explore which design path fits your interests and timeline.
You do not need a license to work as a commercial and industrial designer, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to creative problem-solving and bringing ideas to life through design. You enjoy working with technology and collaborating with others to turn concepts into real products.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).