Graphic Design Home | Related Design Careers | Find Industrial Design Schools
Industrial Design Career Information
Manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their products and boost their sales by releasing the latest and greatest models. This is good news for industrial designers looking for employment. Consumer demand for newer and better products ensures that the industrial design business will continue to grow.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial designers held about 48,000 jobs in 2006. While they predict that the number of jobs will grow seven percent by 2016, aspiring industrial designers can expect to face strong competition in the job market. New industrial designers should look for ways to stand out from the competition.
Starting Your Industrial Design Career
There are a variety of industrial design programs and degrees that will give you the training you need. A bachelor's degree is essential at the beginning of your industrial design career. Most employers require at least a bachelor's for entry-level positions. However, master's degrees are becoming more common in the field and may be necessary in some cases in order to be competitive.
A strong portfolio will also help you win over prospective employers. An impressive portfolio can trump an advanced degree. Document your best work, and show employers your creativity, versatility and technical expertise.
Adding related work experience to your résumé may also help you in your job search. Look for internships that will help you get your industrial design career started. If you're a student, your school may have career resources to help you set up an internship. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from professionals and gain experience in the field.
School Spotlight
Study industrial design at a campus of The Art Institutes near you. With locations nationwide, you may not have to travel far to benefit from an education at one of these well-known art schools. Find a location near you.
Industrial Designer Salaries
Several factors influence what you will earn in your industrial design career. Your geographic location, company size, education and experience will play a part in determining your salary. The following table shows what the middle 50 percent of industrial designers make at various experience levels:*
| Years Experience | Salaries for Middle 50% |
| 0-2 years | $40,488 - 51,280 |
| 2-4 years | $47,740 - 64,826 |
| 4+ years | $59,672 - 76,541 |
*HR data as reported by Salary.com for February 2008.
Graphic Design Home | Related Design Careers | Find Industrial Design Schools
