Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in the United States
Based on 30K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$81,843
$39.35/hr
▲ 5.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$52K – $128K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
30K
workers nationwide
The median Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in the United States is $81,843 per year, which equates to approximately $39 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint for earnings, with half of professionals in this field earning more and half earning less. This data provides a valuable benchmark for those considering a career in this design sector.
Several factors can influence a Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in the United States. These include experience level, geographic location, the specific industry of employment, and the size and type of the company. For instance, while the national median is $81,843, the salary range can significantly vary, from $51,886 to $128,239.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,886 |
| 25th percentile | $64,437 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,843 |
| 75th percentile | $103,143 |
| 90th percentile | $128,239 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Commercial and Industrial Designer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas | $104,870 | +28.1% | 260 |
| 2 | Michigan | $102,160 | +24.8% | 3K |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $101,720 | +24.3% | 1K |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $101,140 | +23.6% | 190 |
| 5 | California | $100,770 | +23.1% | 5K |
| 6 | Louisiana | $98,040 | +19.8% | 130 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $94,370 | +15.3% | 590 |
| 8 | Washington | $94,280 | +15.2% | 340 |
| 9 | Arkansas | $92,540 | +13.1% | 230 |
| 10 | Georgia | $91,360 | +11.6% | 360 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Industry
How much Commercial and Industrial Designers earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($108,060 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $108,060 | +32.0% | 40 |
| 2 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,000 | +27.1% | — |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,570 | +24.1% | 4K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $98,160 | +19.9% | 8K |
| 5 | Administrative and Support Services | $91,860 | +12.2% | 890 |
| 6 | Information | $86,920 | +6.2% | 660 |
| 7 | Transportation and Warehousing | $86,170 | +5.3% | 80 |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $81,740 | -0.1% | 5K |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $79,920 | -2.3% | 12K |
| 10 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $79,520 | -2.8% | 220 |
| 11 | Retail Trade | $77,630 | -5.1% | 2K |
| 12 | Construction | $75,980 | -7.2% | 900 |
| 13 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $57,260 | -30.0% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Commercial and Industrial Designer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Commercial and Industrial Designer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L&T Technology Services | $85,000 | 38 |
| 2 | Microsoft | $192,010 | 16 |
| 3 | General Motors | $136,367 | 9 |
| 4 | Axon Enterprise | $185,825 | 5 |
| 5 | Hp | $83,273 | 4 |
| 6 | Kpit Technologies | $93,000 | 4 |
| 7 | Synopsys | $79,040 | 3 |
| 8 | $168,000 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Commercial and Industrial Designer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $75,423 |
| 2024 | $77,357 |
| 2025 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,589 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,437 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,843 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,143 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,239 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designer in the US?
- The median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designer in the United States is $81,843 annually. This means that half of all designers in this field earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less. The overall salary range for these professionals is between $51,886 and $128,239 per year.
Which state pays Commercial and Industrial Designers the most?
- Kansas is currently the top-paying state for Commercial and Industrial Designers, with a median salary of $104,870 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median of $81,843, indicating strong earning potential in this specific location.
How much can an entry-level Commercial and Industrial Designer expect to earn?
- Entry-level Commercial and Industrial Designers will likely fall on the lower end of the salary spectrum. The provided data shows a salary range starting at $51,886, which is a reasonable expectation for those just starting their careers in this field.
What is the typical hourly wage for a Commercial and Industrial Designer?
- The median hourly wage for a Commercial and Industrial Designer in the United States is $39 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $81,843, offering a more granular view of compensation for those paid on an hourly basis.