How much does a product designer make?
a year · about $40 an hour
A typical product designer in the United States makes $83,910 a year, about $40 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They talk with clients about who will use a product, then sketch ideas and make computer models or physical prototypes. They test designs, check safety and cost with engineers, and make changes.
Did you know? Some designers use software to give factory machines exact instructions for building a product.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $53,460 and $139,770How do you become one?
In the US, most product designers earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering, with classes in drawing, CAD, and 3-D modeling. They build a digital portfolio of projects, often through classes or internships, to show employers.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like creating and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can differ with experience and in-demand skills, the employer or industry, location, and how complex or responsible the work is. Designers who work for themselves may meet clients in the evenings or on weekends, so their hours can differ too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Michigan ($102,160), lowest in Tennessee ($71,230).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $53,460 | $83,910 | $139,770 | about 33,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $102,160 | about 3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $101,720 | about 1,000 |
| California | $100,770 | about 5,000 |
| Minnesota | $94,370 | about 590 |
| New Jersey | $90,310 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children’s toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-1021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes271021.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY