How to Become a Commercial and Industrial Designers in California
Commercial and Industrial Designers in California earn a median salary of $93,300/year, which is 17% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.2%. After taxes and rent, a commercial and industrial designers takes home approximately $4,355/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a commercial and industrial designers can afford in California
Becoming a commercial and industrial designers in California
Meet education requirements
Commercial and Industrial Designers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many commercial and industrial designers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for commercial and industrial designerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 4,530 commercial and industrial designers. The highest concentrations are in Santa Cruz-Watsonville and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Commercial and Industrial Designers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $132K | $63.57/hr | 50 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $108K | $51.82/hr | 330 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $96K | $45.98/hr | 400 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $96K | $45.96/hr | 850 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $94K | $45.27/hr | 1,820 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $83K | $39.7/hr | 90 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $82K | $39.24/hr | 320 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $82K | $39.22/hr | 110 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $80K | $38.58/hr | 30 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $76K | $36.62/hr | 50 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $75K | $36.06/hr | 40 |
| Fresno | $66K | $31.63/hr | 60 |
Commercial and Industrial Designers salary range in California
Commercial and Industrial Designers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial and industrial designers make in California?▼
The median commercial and industrial designers salary in California is $93,300 per year ($44.85/hr). This is 17% above the national median of $79,450. Salaries range from $58,520 to $162,070.
What are the requirements to become a commercial and industrial designers in California?▼
Commercial and Industrial Designers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a commercial and industrial designers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $93,300, a commercial and industrial designers in California would take home approximately $5,767/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 24.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for commercial and industrial designers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for commercial and industrial designers in California are Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($132,230), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($107,780), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($95,630). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for commercial and industrial designers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.2%. On a $93,300 salary, this means roughly $4,815/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.