Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in California
Based on 5K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$100,770
$48.45/hr
vs National Average
$81,843
+23.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $168K
5K employed in California
Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in California averages $100,770 per year, significantly outpacing national figures by 23 percent. With approximately 5,300 professionals working in this field across the state, California offers competitive compensation for designers who develop products and commercial spaces. The salary range spans from $62,860 to $168,490, reflecting considerable variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence earning potential for designers in California. Years of experience, educational background, and industry sector all play important roles in determining individual compensation. Geographic location within California, company size, and portfolio strength further impact salary levels. Designers working in major metropolitan areas or specialized industries typically command higher wages than those in smaller markets or entry-level positions.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,860 |
| 25th percentile | $76,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,770 |
| 75th percentile | $133,190 |
| 90th percentile | $168,490 |
Top-Paying Industries for Commercial and Industrial Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Commercial and Industrial Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Commercial and Industrial Designers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $108,060 | 40 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,000 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,570 | 4K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $98,160 | 8K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $91,860 | 890 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Commercial and Industrial Designer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,610 |
| 2023 | $84,190 |
| 2024 | $93,300 |
| 2025 | $100,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,816 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,610 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $84,190 | $75,423 |
| 2024 | $93,300 | $77,357 |
| 2025 | $100,770 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,816 | $86,754 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $133,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,490 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Other States
Related Commercial and Industrial Designer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Commercial and Industrial Designer ($100,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Commercial and Industrial Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in CA | $137,780 | +36.7% | $66.24/hr |
| Producer and Director in CA | $129,790 | +28.8% | $62.40/hr |
| Interior Designer in CA | $80,230 | -20.4% | $38.57/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CA | $75,130 | -25.4% | $36.12/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | -35.9% | $31.07/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CA | $101,370 | +0.6% | $48.74/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | +0.7% | $48.78/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CA | $99,650 | -1.1% | $47.91/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -1.2% | $47.85/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in CA | $102,100 | +1.3% | $49.09/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CA | $98,950 | -1.8% | $47.57/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CA | $98,850 | -1.9% | $47.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial and industrial designers make in California?
- Commercial and industrial designers in California earn a median salary of $100,770 per year, or approximately $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 23.1% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for industrial designers in California?
- The salary range for commercial and industrial designers in California spans from $62,860 at the lower end to $168,490 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the field.
Is being a commercial designer in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, commercial and industrial designers in California earn 23.1% more than the national average. With a median salary of $100,770 per year in California, the state offers significantly higher compensation compared to most other regions in the United States.
How many commercial and industrial designers work in California?
- There are approximately 5,300 commercial and industrial designers currently employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's design industry.