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Designer, Environmental Designer, Furniture Designer, Product Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to conduct research into costs, properties of production materials and methods of production
Interest in speaking to consult with engineers and production staff during manufacturing stages
Interest in precision working to prepare manufacturing drawings and to construct design prototypes
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Industrial designers consider how products and systems work, and how to make them work better. They also think about:
Designers focus on maximizing the function, value, and appearance of products and product systems. Their primary goal is the mutual benefit of the user (often the consumer) and the manufacturer.
Industrial designers may specialize in a number of areas. They may focus on:
They may design one-of-a-kind objects or mass-produced items. For example, they may develop childproof bottle caps, safety equipment, appliances, sports and leisure products, or toys and games.
In general, the designer:
Industrial designers work closely with other members of the development group. These may include managers, marketing personnel, engineers, and manufacturers. They often are involved in activities such as new product planning and market research. Sometimes they monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory.
More and more designers consider environmental concerns. They promote changes to the product design and manufacturing cycle. They design sustainable alternatives.
Industrial designers may also provide advice relating to client image or branding. This could include:
Industrial designers work in offices and workshops. Extended hours and weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.
Industrial designers need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information and conducting research. They should like to explore different ways of doing things. They should enjoy performing precise tasks with tools and equipment.
Industrial design combines visual arts and technology. It requires knowledge and skills in fields such as:
Computers are increasingly important in all aspects of design. They play a role in tasks such as:
However, it is still necessary for designers to have manual skills in drawing, drafting, model-making, and working with materials.
With this broad range of requirements, industrial designers come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some may have a bachelor of design degree. However, many have bachelor’s degrees in industrial design, fine arts, engineering, or architecture. Or they may have a background in graphic design. After graduating, they must pursue ongoing professional development to keep up to date in this field.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Industrial designers may be self-employed and work on a contract basis, or they may be employed full time. Employers include manufacturers, not-for-profit organizations, and private design firms. Many graduates of industrial design programs find jobs in major centres. These may be within or outside Canada. Some students use their education to prepare for entry into architecture, design management, marketing, or other aspects of business.
Industrial designers may transfer their skills to other fields such as:
In Alberta, 75% of people employed as industrial designers work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2252: Industrial designers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most industrial designers work on a contract basis for specific product and system designs. They negotiate each contract separately. Designers with specialized skills can charge higher fees.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.75 | $52.58 | $36.62 | $40.20 |
| Overall | $30.05 | $73.85 | $52.83 | $59.73 |
| Top | $33.17 | $93.47 | $62.44 | $67.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Manufacturing | $104,553 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $103,679 |
Association of Canadian Industrial Designers (ACID) website: www.designcanada.org
Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario (ACIDO) website: acido.info
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) website: www.idsa.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.