Career roadmap
How to Become an Industrial Designer
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as an industrial designer, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become an industrial designer: (1) earn an industrial design degree, (2) build a portfolio, (3) intern, (4) get a junior designer role, (5) advance. Most people need about 4 years. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become an industrial designer
Earn an industrial design degree
Learn sketching and CAD.
Build a portfolio
Show your process.
Intern
Gain studio experience.
Get a junior designer role
Support projects.
Advance
Lead design teams.
Education and training requirements
A bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field is typical.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 4 years |
Certifications and licenses
- SolidWorks certification: CAD credential.
- IDSA membership: Industrial Designers Society of America.
- Portfolio: The key credential.
- Design thinking courses: Process training.
Skills to build now
Start with sketching, 3d cad modeling, and prototyping, and practice creativity and collaboration. Learning the industrial designer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Junior Designer: Support projects.
- Industrial Designer: Lead product design.
- Senior Designer: Lead teams.
- Design Director: Lead design strategy.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Industrial Designer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do industrial designers need a degree?
Usually.
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.
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.
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.