Industrial designers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$79,450
~$38/hr · ~$6,621/mo
US Jobs
31K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
8/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 8/10
Industrial design is a predominantly digital occupation where core tasks like sketching, 3D modeling, and rendering are being rapidly transformed by generative AI and advanced CAD automation. While the role requires physical prototyping and cross-functional collaboration, the vast majority of the design process is computer-based, making it highly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains and workflow restructuring.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LABEST VALUE | $114,850 | Below avg (91.2) | $125,886 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $132,230 | Above avg (112.8) | $117,252 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $99,110 | Below avg (89.7) | $110,431 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $116,070 | Above avg (109.7) | $105,765 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $101,090 | Average (98.2) | $102,957 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $114,200 | Above avg (112.7) | $101,303 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $90,880 | Below avg (90.5) | $100,432 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $94,850 | Below avg (94.7) | $100,211 |
| Reno, NV | $95,930 | Average (98.0) | $97,863 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $94,880 | Average (98.3) | $96,544 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $107,780 | Above avg (113.1) | $95,331 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $104,470 | Above avg (110.4) | $94,635 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $86,390 | Below avg (93.1) | $92,819 |
| Worcester, MA | $94,830 | Average (103.0) | $92,084 |
| Syracuse, NY | $84,590 | Below avg (95.7) | $88,375 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+3% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$38/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,621/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)