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Industrial Design Engineering Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Industrial Design Engineering Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who want to design physical products and need both engineering and design skills. Use the tools below to see which industrial design engineering roles fit your background and goals.

This major blends product design aesthetics with engineering feasibility, distinct from pure engineering or pure art programs. Use the tools below to explore Industrial Design Engineering-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Junior Product Designer, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Senior Industrial Designer or Product Development Lead. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as None formally required; portfolio and CAD skill matter most, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Industrial Design Engineering careers/jobs, (2) Find Industrial Design Engineering job listings, (3) Prepare for Industrial Design Engineering careers, and (4) Provide Industrial Design Engineering career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Industrial Design Engineering careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Industrial Design Engineering Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Industrial Design Engineering careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Industrial Design Engineering, so relevant Industrial Design Engineering jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Industrial Design Engineering Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Industrial Design Engineering Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Industrial Design Engineering careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 38 Industrial Design Engineering Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

14 Industrial Design Engineering careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Industrial Design Engineering-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 27.4% CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 27.4% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
Dental Laboratory Technicians 12.2% CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Dental Laboratory Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.2% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Art Directors 11% Product Design Director
Occupation: Art Directors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Design Director
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers 8% Camera Prototyping Engineer
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Camera Prototyping Engineer
Commercial and Industrial Designers 5.6% Industrial Designer; Product Design Engineer; Product Designer; UI Product Designer (User Interface Product Designer); UX Product Designer (User Experience Product Designer)
Occupation: Commercial and Industrial Designers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.6% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Industrial Designer; Product Design Engineer; Product Designer; UI Product Designer (User Interface Product Designer); UX Product Designer (User Experience Product Designer)
Architectural and Engineering Managers 4.1% Prototype Engineer Manager
Occupation: Architectural and Engineering Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.1% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Engineer Manager
Surveying and Mapping Technicians 3.7% Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Surveying and Mapping Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.7% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters 2.3% AutoCAD Drafter; AutoCAD Technician; CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer); Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 2.3% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: AutoCAD Drafter; AutoCAD Technician; CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer); Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)
Carpenters 2.1% Prototype Carpenter
Occupation: Carpenters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 2.1% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Carpenter
Fashion Designers 0.5% Product Designer
Occupation: Fashion Designers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 0.5% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Designer
Architectural and Civil Drafters -0.9% Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -0.9% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Mechanical Drafters -4.7% AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator); CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Mechanical Drafters U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -4.7% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator); CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic -4.9% Prototype Fabricator; Prototype Model Maker; Prototype Special Build; Prototyper; Welding Prototype Operator
Occupation: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -4.9% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Fabricator; Prototype Model Maker; Prototype Special Build; Prototyper; Welding Prototype Operator
Sewing Machine Operators -14% Prototype Sewer
Occupation: Sewing Machine Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -14% Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Sewer

16 Industrial Design Engineering careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Industrial Design Engineering-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs

Architectural and Engineering Managers $ 165,370 Prototype Engineer Manager
Occupation: Architectural and Engineering Managers National Median Salary: $ 165,370 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Engineer Manager
Microsystems Engineers $ 111,970 Product Design Engineer
Occupation: Microsystems Engineers National Median Salary: $ 111,970 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Design Engineer
Art Directors $ 106,500 Product Design Director
Occupation: Art Directors National Median Salary: $ 106,500 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Design Director
Video Game Designers $ 98,540 Prototype Developer
Occupation: Video Game Designers National Median Salary: $ 98,540 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Developer
Fashion Designers $ 79,290 Product Designer
Occupation: Fashion Designers National Median Salary: $ 79,290 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Designer
Commercial and Industrial Designers $ 76,250 Industrial Designer; Product Design Engineer; Product Designer; UI Product Designer (User Interface Product Designer); UX Product Designer (User Experience Product Designer)
Occupation: Commercial and Industrial Designers National Median Salary: $ 76,250 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Industrial Designer; Product Design Engineer; Product Designer; UI Product Designer (User Interface Product Designer); UX Product Designer (User Experience Product Designer)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters $ 69,260 AutoCAD Drafter; AutoCAD Technician; CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer); Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Drafters National Median Salary: $ 69,260 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: AutoCAD Drafter; AutoCAD Technician; CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer); Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic $ 64,190 Prototype Fabricator; Prototype Model Maker; Prototype Special Build; Prototyper; Welding Prototype Operator
Occupation: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic National Median Salary: $ 64,190 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Fabricator; Prototype Model Maker; Prototype Special Build; Prototyper; Welding Prototype Operator
Mechanical Drafters $ 64,060 AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator); CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Mechanical Drafters National Median Salary: $ 64,060 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator); CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $ 63,440 CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers National Median Salary: $ 63,440 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
Architectural and Civil Drafters $ 61,820 Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters National Median Salary: $ 61,820 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Carpenters $ 56,350 Prototype Carpenter
Occupation: Carpenters National Median Salary: $ 56,350 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Carpenter
Surveying and Mapping Technicians $ 48,940 Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Surveying and Mapping Technicians National Median Salary: $ 48,940 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Dental Laboratory Technicians $ 47,690 CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Dental Laboratory Technicians National Median Salary: $ 47,690 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers $ 46,850 Camera Prototyping Engineer
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers National Median Salary: $ 46,850 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Camera Prototyping Engineer
Sewing Machine Operators $ 34,440 Prototype Sewer
Occupation: Sewing Machine Operators National Median Salary: $ 34,440 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Sewer

16 Industrial Design Engineering careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Industrial Design Engineering-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs

Architectural and Engineering Managers 5 Prototype Engineer Manager
Occupation: Architectural and Engineering Managers Education/Preparation: 5 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Engineer Manager
Microsystems Engineers 5 Product Design Engineer
Occupation: Microsystems Engineers Education/Preparation: 5 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Design Engineer
Art Directors 4 Product Design Director
Occupation: Art Directors Education/Preparation: 4 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Design Director
Commercial and Industrial Designers 4 Industrial Designer; Product Design Engineer; Product Designer; UI Product Designer (User Interface Product Designer); UX Product Designer (User Experience Product Designer)
Occupation: Commercial and Industrial Designers Education/Preparation: 4 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Industrial Designer; Product Design Engineer; Product Designer; UI Product Designer (User Interface Product Designer); UX Product Designer (User Experience Product Designer)
Video Game Designers 4 Prototype Developer
Occupation: Video Game Designers Education/Preparation: 4 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Developer
Architectural and Civil Drafters 3 Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Occupation: Architectural and Civil Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Architectural CAD Drafter (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Drafter); Architectural CAD Technician (Architectural Computer-Aided Design Technician); AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician); Civil CAD Designer (Civil Computer-Aided Design Designer)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers 3 Camera Prototyping Engineer
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Camera Prototyping Engineer
Electrical and Electronics Drafters 3 AutoCAD Drafter; AutoCAD Technician; CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer); Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)
Occupation: Electrical and Electronics Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: AutoCAD Drafter; AutoCAD Technician; CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); Computer-Aided Design Designer (CAD Designer); Computer-Aided Design Technician (CAD Tech)
Fashion Designers 3 Product Designer
Occupation: Fashion Designers Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Product Designer
Mechanical Drafters 3 AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator); CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Mechanical Drafters Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: AutoCAD Designer (Auto Computer-Aided Design Designer); AutoCAD Drafter (Auto Computer-Aided Design Drafter); AutoCAD Technician (Auto Computer-Aided Design Technician); CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Designer (Computer-Aided Design Designer); CAD Drafter (Computer Aided Design Drafter); CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter); CAD Draftsman (Computer-Aided Design Draftsman); CAD Draughter (Computer Aided Design Draughter); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAD Operator (Computer-Aided Design Operator); CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design Technician)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic 3 Prototype Fabricator; Prototype Model Maker; Prototype Special Build; Prototyper; Welding Prototype Operator
Occupation: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Fabricator; Prototype Model Maker; Prototype Special Build; Prototyper; Welding Prototype Operator
Surveying and Mapping Technicians 3 Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Surveying and Mapping Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Survey CAD Technician (Survey Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Carpenters 2 Prototype Carpenter
Occupation: Carpenters Education/Preparation: 2 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Carpenter
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 2 CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Education/Preparation: 2 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: CAD Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Programmer)
Dental Laboratory Technicians 2 CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Occupation: Dental Laboratory Technicians Education/Preparation: 2 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)
Sewing Machine Operators 2 Prototype Sewer
Occupation: Sewing Machine Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Industrial Design Engineering-Related Jobs: Prototype Sewer

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 38 specific Industrial Design Engineering job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Fashion Designers.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Fashion Designers

Description: Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
27,800
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
28,000
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
100 (0.5%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
2,500
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Fashion Designers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Determine prices for styles.
Importance: 51 (%) Description: Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
Importance: 49 (%) Description: Draw patterns for articles designed, cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.
Importance: 46 (%) Description: Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.
Importance: 42 (%) Description: Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.
Importance: 41 (%) Description: Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Build models, patterns, or templates.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
Conduct market research.
Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
Coordinate design activities.
Determine the value of goods or services.
Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Monitor current trends.
Promote products, activities, or organizations.
Select materials or props.
Study scripts to determine project requirements.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Test materials, solutions, or samples.
Write informational material.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Management of Personnel Resources: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Assemble products or work aids.
Activity: Collect data about consumer needs or opinions.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Create artistic designs or performances.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Determine values or prices of goods or services.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Monitor external affairs, trends, or events.
Activity: Prepare informational or instructional materials.
Activity: Promote products, services, or programs.
Activity: Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.
Activity: Study details of artistic productions.
Activity: Test characteristics of materials or products.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe InDesign
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
SAS
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk Revit
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Web platform development software:
JavaScript
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Accounting software:
Financial accounting software
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite
C-DESIGN Fashion
CLO Virtual Fashion Marvelous Designer
Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
Fashion Toolbox
Optitex 3D Suite
Patternmaking software
StartingAClothingLine.com Digital Fashion Pro
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Autodesk SketchBook Pro
Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Corel Painter
Lectra Prima Vision Print Repeat
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Program testing software:
User interface design software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 50.7 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 44.0 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 3.6 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 1.1 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 0.6 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 25.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 25.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 14.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 1.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 1.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 0.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Master Sewing and Design Professional External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Fashion Designers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Fashion Designers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Fashion Designers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Fashion Designers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Fashion Designers" occupation.






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