Industrial designers work in the manufacturing field, where they develop new products and refine existing goods. These professionals adjust the functional and aesthetic properties of manufactured goods to make them easier to use, more visually appealing, or cheaper to produce. An industrial designer's salary can vary significantly based on his role and what type of company he works in. Other factors that can affect an industrial designer's salary include geographic location, his skills and experience, and his level of education.
Perhaps no other factor affects an industrial designer's salary more than the geographic location where he lives and works. The highest salaries are generally paid to those living in high-cost-of-living areas, while designers in lower-cost-of-living areas earn less on average. For example, an industrial designer based in New York city, London, or Tokyo will likely enjoy extremely high wages that allow him to keep up with the cost of housing, food, and other goods in these expensive cities. Those working in more affordable cities will naturally earn less.
The size of a company and the type of products it manufactures can also impact industrial designer's salary. Large companies typically offer higher salaries than small, independent firms. Those that produce more complex goods, like electronics or automobiles, are likely to offer higher salaries than a company that produces more basic items, where industrial design may not be as vital to the production process.
Education also has a major impact on an industrial designer's salary. While most entry-level jobs in this field now require an undergraduate degree, those with a degree in engineering or material science may earn more than an employee with a less specialized degree. Companies are also offering higher salaries to designers with advanced degrees, particularly those with a business degree.
Experience can also affect an industrial designer's salary. Entry level positions generally offer the lowest rate of pay, while those in management or leadership roles earn much more. In-demand designers with proven experience and name recognition can earn substantially higher than unknown designers, who have yet to prove their abilities.
Finally, salaries for an industrial designer may be affected by the type of position he fills. Permanent staff earn more than temporary ones, and may also earn more than contractors or consultants. Staff designers also enjoy higher total compensation packages than freelancers, who are often ineligible for health insurance and other benefits offered by the company. General designers earn less than company principals or executives, particularly in terms of profit sharing and bonuses.
