As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Industrial Designer I in the United States is $66,917 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Industrial Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Industrial Designer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Industrial Designer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Designer I | 0-2 years | $66,917 |
| Industrial Designer II | 2-4 years | $79,629 |
| Industrial Designer III | 4-7 years | $97,804 |
| Industrial Designer IV | 7+ years | $123,807 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Industrial Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | 4.05% |
| Product Development | 2.27% |
| Design Thinking | 1.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Product Engineering
|
$75,616 |
13%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$74,947 |
12%
|
|
UI Design
|
$74,278 |
11%
|
|
iOS
|
$73,609 |
10%
|
|
Agile
|
$72,270 |
8%
|
|
User Research
|
$72,270 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Industrial Designer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Industrial Designer I with a Associate's Degree is between $63,425 and $67,276).
Industrial Designer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.3% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 10.6% |
| Bachelors | 71.4% |
| Masters | 10.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how an Industrial Designer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For an Industrial Designer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Industrial Designer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,629 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
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An Industrial Designer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Industrial Designer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Industrial Designer I is $84,402.
The highest pay for Industrial Designer I is $79,108.
The lowest pay for Industrial Designer I is $54,801.
Designs and develops industrial product concepts and specifications that reflect aesthetic, functional, and manufacturing requirements. Researches and analyzes the intended use of products and user preferences. Translates user insights and market requirements into sketches, prototypes, and CAD models to visually communicate the design concept. Collaborates with stakeholders like engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and suppliers to produce final designs that meet safety, manufacturability, timeline, and cost constraints. Uses a variety of 3D/2D CAD rendering, prototyping, and animation tools. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in industrial or product design. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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