The job market for industrial designers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 30,600 industrial designers in the United States. The industrial designer job market is expected to grow by 3.2% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are industrial designers?

CareerExplorer rates industrial designers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 1,000 industrial designers.

Are industrial designers in demand?

Employment growth for industrial designers will be sustained by an increase in consumer and business demand for innovative products and new product styles. Opportunities should result from continued emphasis on the quality and safety of goods; appetite for items that are easy and comfortable to use; and development of high-technology, high-precision devices in electronics, medicine, transportation, and other fields. However, declining production in some sectors of the manufacturing industry is expected to moderate the outlook for this occupation. In addition, use of offshore designers, especially by companies whose suppliers are located overseas, may further slow employment in the U.S. During economic downturns, companies tend to reduce their research and spending, leading to declines in both new product development and employment of industrial designers. Prospects will likely be best for applicants with extensive experience in two- and three- dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided industrial design (CAID). The trend toward environmental consciousness should expand opportunities for those comfortable working with sustainable resources. As the demand for industrial design becomes more consumer-driven, designers who can closely monitor and react to customer needs and wants by collaborating with strategic planning and marketing professionals will also improve their job prospects. Senior designers in large firms may advance to the position of chief designer or design department head. Others may become design school or university instructors. Typically, designers who teach the discipline also continue to consult privately or operate small design studios.

What’s the supply of industrial designers?

The industrial designer industry is concentrated in California, Michigan, New York

Industrial Designer job market by state