Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Colorado
Based on 400+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$90,590
$43.55/hr
vs National Average
$81,843
+10.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $137K
400 employed in Colorado
Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in Colorado averages $90,590 annually, positioning the state 11% above the national average. With approximately 400 workers employed in this field across Colorado, designers here earn competitive compensation reflecting the state's strong design and manufacturing sectors. Salaries range from $39,710 to $137,320, depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, industry specialization, and geographic location within the state. Educational background and technical certifications can impact earning potential, as can the size and profitability of the employing company. Designers working in high-growth industries or for larger corporations tend to command higher salaries than those in smaller firms or emerging sectors.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,710 |
| 25th percentile | $59,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $90,590 |
| 75th percentile | $107,990 |
| 90th percentile | $137,320 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,670 |
| 2023 | $81,720 |
| 2025 | $90,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,025 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,670 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $81,720 | $75,423 |
| 2025 | $90,590 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,025 | $86,754 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $90,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $137,320 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Other States
Related Commercial and Industrial Designer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Commercial and Industrial Designer ($90,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Commercial and Industrial Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in CO | $99,990 | +10.4% | $48.07/hr |
| Interior Designer in CO | $78,390 | -13.5% | $37.69/hr |
| Producer and Director in CO | $78,060 | -13.8% | $37.53/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CO | $66,330 | -26.8% | $31.89/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CO | $56,790 | -37.3% | $27.30/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in CO | $91,290 | +0.8% | $43.89/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CO | $89,280 | -1.4% | $42.92/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in CO | $93,050 | +2.7% | $44.74/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in CO | $87,760 | -3.1% | $42.19/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CO | $87,430 | -3.5% | $42.03/hr |
| Loan Officer in CO | $94,520 | +4.3% | $45.44/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in CO | $86,220 | -4.8% | $41.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial and industrial designers make in Colorado?
- Commercial and industrial designers in Colorado earn a median salary of $90,590 per year, or $44 per hour. This is 10.7% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for industrial designers in Colorado?
- The salary range for commercial and industrial designers in Colorado spans from $39,710 at the lower end to $137,320 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
Is Colorado a good state for commercial designer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for commercial and industrial designers, with salaries 10.7% higher than the national average, making it an attractive location for this career.
How many commercial and industrial design jobs are available in Colorado?
- There are approximately 400 commercial and industrial designers currently employed in Colorado, indicating a modest but established job market for this profession.