Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Art Directors
Commercial and industrial designers usually work closely with engineers, materials scientists, marketing and corporate strategy staff, cost estimators, and accountants. About 1 out of 3 are self-employed. A bachelors degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering is required for entry-level positions; however, many commercial and industrial designers choose to pursue a masters degree in either industrial design or business administration. Keen competition is expected for most jobs because many qualified individuals are attracted to careers in this field; those with strong backgrounds in engineering and computer-aided design, as well as extensive business expertise, will have the best prospects.
On average, Commercial and Industrial Designers earn $ 54,560 per year
Job Opportunities for Arts/Design Career are
expected to:
Increase as fast as the average.
Commercial & Advertising Art
Design & Visual Communications
Design and Applied Arts
Industrial Design
Aerospace Engineers
Architects
Commercial and industrial designers combine the fields of art, business, and engineering to design the products people use every day. In fact, these designers are responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of almost every manufactured good. Usually designers specialize in one particular product category, such as automobiles and other transportation vehicles, appliances, technology goods, medical equipment, furniture, toys, tools and construction equipment, or housewares.
A bachelors degree is required for most entry-level commercial and industrial design positions. Many designers also pursue a masters degree to increase their employment opportunities.
Commercial and industrial designers held about 48,000 jobs in 2006. About 30 percent were self-employed. Another 15 percent of designers were employed in either engineering or specialized design services firms. Manufacturing firms and service providing companies employed most of the rest of commercial and industrial designers
Industrial Designers Society of America
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
