Industrial Designers
(NOC 2252)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyIndustrial designers develop and design a variety manufactured products like cars, home appliances, children's toys, computer equipment, and medical, office, or recreational equipment. They work for manufacturing industries and private design firms or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Industrial Designers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 69% of Industrial Designers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $72,287. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$57,115
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Industrial designers develop and design a variety manufactured products like cars, home appliances, children's toys, computer equipment, and medical, office, or recreational equipment. They work for manufacturing industries and private design firms or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Industrial designers:
- Consult with client, engineers, or production specialists to confirm product requirements.
- Analyze the intended use of product and user preferences.
- Research cost, properties of production materials, and methods of production.
- Prepare design concepts, sketches, or models for approval.
- Prepare manufacturing drawings, specifications and guidelines for production and construct prototype of design.
- Consult with engineers and production staff during manufacturing stage.
Sample job titles
- business products designer
- consumer products designer
- container designer
- ergonomic products designer
- fixture designer
- furniture designer
- industrial design consultant
- industrial designer
- product designer
- toy designer - industrial design
Skills
- You should be creative, imaginative, and artistic. You must be able to communicate ideas both visually and verbally. You must be able to work well with people and be open to new ideas and influences. Computer skills, especially familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD), are an asset.
Job requirements
- A university degree in industrial design, architecture, engineering or a college diploma in industrial design is required.
Other considerations
- The rate at which new manufacturing technology is adopted will affect the number of job openings in these jobs. There is mobility between positions in this group. Movement is possible to other design roles. Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$52,870 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/ANorth Shore
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$60,009 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ADiploma Above Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems for controlling contained living environments and for monitoring and controlling factors in the external natural environment, including pollution control, waste and hazardous material disposal, health and safety protection, conservation, life support, and requirements for protection of special materials and related work environments.
Institutions providing this program
Graphic Design
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. They include courses in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, colour theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modelling, communication skills and commercial art business operations.
Mechanical Engineering
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment, stationary power units and appliances, engines, self-propelled vehicles, housings and containers, hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement, and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
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