Industrial Designers
(NOC 2252)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyIndustrial designers develop and design countless manufactured products such as cars, home appliances, children's toys, computer equipment, and medical, office, or recreational equipment. They are employed by 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. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Industrial Designers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 53% 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
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Industrial designers develop and design countless manufactured products such as cars, home appliances, children's toys, computer equipment, and medical, office, or recreational equipment. They are employed by manufacturing industries and private design firms or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Industrial designers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Consult with client, engineers or production specialists to establish product requirements.
- Analyze the intended use of product and user preferences.
- Conduct research into 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
To work in this field, 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. Mobility is possible to other design occupations. 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
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional Business Services
Other Industries
Other Professional Services
Textiles, Furniture and Other Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
55-64
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
N/AHigh school
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
$37,945 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Environmental/environmental health engineering
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Graphic design
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. These programs 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.
Institutions providing this program
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Industrial design
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via the creation of effective forms, shapes, and packaging for manufactured products. These programs include courses in designing in a wide variety of plastic and digital media, prototype construction, design development and refinement, principles of cost saving, and product structure and performance criteria relevant to aesthetic design parameters.
Mechanical engineering
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Employment requirements & contacts
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