Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 1K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$101,720
$48.90/hr
vs National Average
$81,843
+24.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $150K
1K employed in Massachusetts
Commercial and industrial designers in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $101,720 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 24 percent. With approximately 1,240 professionals working in this field across the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation for those pursuing design careers in commercial and industrial sectors.
Several factors influence commercial and industrial designer salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, industry specialization, and proximity to major design hubs like Boston. Educational background, portfolio strength, and employment within larger corporations versus smaller firms also play important roles. The state's robust manufacturing and technology sectors contribute to the higher-than-average pay scale compared to other regions.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,010 |
| 25th percentile | $81,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,720 |
| 75th percentile | $128,200 |
| 90th percentile | $149,990 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,060 |
| 2023 | $86,420 |
| 2024 | $99,310 |
| 2025 | $101,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,188 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,060 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $86,420 | $75,423 |
| 2024 | $99,310 | $77,357 |
| 2025 | $101,720 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,188 | $83,829 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $149,990 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Other States
Related Commercial and Industrial Designer Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Commercial and Industrial Designer ($101,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Commercial and Industrial Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in MA | $149,320 | +46.8% | $71.79/hr |
| Producer and Director in MA | $80,970 | -20.4% | $38.93/hr |
| Interior Designer in MA | $80,110 | -21.2% | $38.51/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MA | $76,710 | -24.6% | $36.88/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in MA | $101,810 | +0.1% | $48.95/hr |
| Loan Officer in MA | $101,600 | -0.1% | $48.85/hr |
| Compliance Officer in MA | $102,060 | +0.3% | $49.07/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in MA | $101,310 | -0.4% | $48.71/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in MA | $102,170 | +0.4% | $49.12/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in MA | $100,930 | -0.8% | $48.52/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MA | $100,640 | -1.1% | $48.38/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in MA | $100,640 | -1.1% | $48.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial and industrial designers make in Massachusetts?
- Commercial and industrial designers in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $101,720 per year, or $49 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 24.3% increase compared to designers working elsewhere in the United States.
What is the salary range for industrial designers in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for commercial and industrial designers in Massachusetts spans from $76,010 at the lower end to $149,990 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
Is Massachusetts a good state for commercial and industrial designer jobs?
- Yes, Massachusetts is an excellent state for commercial and industrial designers, with a median salary of $101,720 that exceeds the national average by 24.3%. The state currently employs 1,240 commercial and industrial designers, indicating a stable job market in this field.
What do entry-level industrial designers earn in Massachusetts?
- Entry-level commercial and industrial designers in Massachusetts can expect to earn around $76,010 annually at the lower end of the salary spectrum. As designers gain experience and move up in their careers, they can earn substantially more, with the median reaching $101,720 and top positions exceeding $149,990.