Industrial Design Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Design of mass-produced products combining form, function, and user experience.
Starting Salary
$55K
median
Mid-Career
$82K
salary
ROI Payback
4.8 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
3.5%
rate
Industrial Design Overview
Design of mass-produced products combining form, function, and user experience.
Category
Arts & Design
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
65%
Enrollment Trend
stable
Online Available
Limited
Underemployment
18%
Lifetime Premium
$520K
Female Graduates
42%
Industrial Design Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$19,800
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$19,800
after scholarships
ROI Payback
1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$500,200
Lifetime earnings premium ($520,000) minus net degree cost ($19,800)
Industrial Design Salary Progression
Common Industrial Design Careers
Industrial Designer
Product Designer
Design Strategist
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Industrial Design
#1
RISD
#2
Art Center
#3
Carnegie Mellon
#4
Georgia Tech
#5
Pratt
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Industrial Design Degree FAQ
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