FAQ
Industrial Designer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an industrial designer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an industrial designer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about industrial designers
Do industrial designers need a degree?
Usually.
What’s the difference from an engineer?
Designers focus on form and use; engineers focus on function and manufacturing.
What software should I learn?
SolidWorks, Rhino and KeyShot.
How much does an industrial designer make?
The median annual wage for industrial designers was $83,910 ($40.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $139,770.
How long does it take to become an industrial designer?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an industrial designer?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and employers look for portfolios that show research, sketching, CAD and prototypes.
Is industrial designer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.4% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 2,800 openings each year. Upsides include creative problem solving; a common challenge is that competitive field.
What skills does an industrial designer need?
Key technical skills include sketching, 3d cad modeling, prototyping, and user research. Employers also value creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.
What certifications are available for industrial designers?
Common credentials include SolidWorks certification, IDSA membership, Portfolio, and Design thinking courses. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Industrial Designer fit quiz, compare with Mechanical Engineer, or explore Industrial Designer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-1021 (Commercial and industrial designers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Commercial and industrial designers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.