As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal Industrial Designer in the United States is $156,547 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Principal Industrial Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Principal Industrial Designer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Principal Industrial Designer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Principal Industrial Designer | $152,094 |
| Intermediate Level Principal Industrial Designer | $152,760 |
| Senior Level Principal Industrial Designer | $153,426 |
| Specialist Level Principal Industrial Designer | $154,757 |
| Expert Level Principal Industrial Designer | $156,089 |
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 Principal Industrial Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 6.67% |
| Digital Design | 6.67% |
| Illustrator | 6.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Storytelling
|
$173,767 |
11%
|
|
Animation
|
$158,112 |
1%
|
|
Initiative
|
$156,547 |
0%
|
Understanding how a Principal Industrial Designer'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, 2026Salaries for a Principal Industrial Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $139,122 in 2023 to around $127,576 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Principal Industrial Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $139,122 |
| 2024 | $132,431 |
| 2025 | $127,576 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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