Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Iowa
Based on 440+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$70,420
$33.86/hr
vs National Average
$81,843
-14.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $95K
440 employed in Iowa
Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in Iowa averages $70,420 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 440 workers employed in this field across the state, Iowa's compensation for designers falls 14% below the national average. Salaries in this role typically range from $51,690 to $94,570 depending on individual circumstances and employer type.
Several factors influence commercial and industrial designer compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, educational background, industry sector, and company size. Designers working for larger manufacturing firms or in specialized sectors often earn toward the higher end of the pay scale, while those in smaller markets or early-career positions may see lower wages. Geographic location within Iowa and the complexity of design work also play meaningful roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,690 |
| 25th percentile | $60,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,420 |
| 75th percentile | $85,010 |
| 90th percentile | $94,570 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,060 |
| 2023 | $82,260 |
| 2024 | $69,210 |
| 2025 | $70,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,651 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,060 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $82,260 | $75,423 |
| 2024 | $69,210 | $77,357 |
| 2025 | $70,420 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,651 | $83,274 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,570 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Other States
Related Commercial and Industrial Designer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Commercial and Industrial Designer ($70,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Commercial and Industrial Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in IA | $80,940 | +14.9% | $38.91/hr |
| Producer and Director in IA | $58,550 | -16.9% | $28.15/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | -17.6% | $27.90/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IA | $51,030 | -27.5% | $24.53/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IA | $50,310 | -28.6% | $24.19/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IA | $70,360 | -0.1% | $33.83/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in IA | $69,060 | -1.9% | $33.20/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in IA | $72,690 | +3.2% | $34.95/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in IA | $66,710 | -5.3% | $32.07/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IA | $66,390 | -5.7% | $31.92/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | +5.7% | $35.80/hr |
| Police Officer in IA | $74,470 | +5.8% | $35.80/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial and industrial designers make in Iowa?
- Commercial and industrial designers in Iowa earn a median salary of $70,420 per year, or approximately $34 per hour. This is about 14% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for industrial designers in Iowa?
- In Iowa, commercial and industrial designers' salaries range from $51,690 at the lower end to $94,570 at the higher end of the pay scale.
Is the Iowa industrial designer salary competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Iowa's median salary of $70,420 for commercial and industrial designers is 14% lower than the national average, making it below the typical pay for this role across the United States.
How many commercial and industrial designers work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 440 commercial and industrial designers currently employed in Iowa.