Car Designer Job Description
Car designers use product design principles to create practical yet innovative ideas for new automobiles. They often work with engineers to make sure that their designs can be made into functioning automobiles that will appeal to consumers, and they use emerging technology to create cars that are environmentally friendly and affordable.
Car Designer Career Overview
| Education | Bachelor's degree is sufficient, however, master's degrees is recommended for best job prospects |
| Job Skills | Creativity, math and science skills, computer-aided drafting, communication |
| Median Salary (2018)* | $66,590 for commercial and industrial designers |
| Job Growth (2018-2028)* | 3% for commercial and industrial designers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
The majority of automotive companies hire car designers with bachelor's or master's degrees in product design or automotive design. Since car design is a very competitive field, a high level of academic achievement is beneficial when looking for an entry-level car design job. Courses such as industrial design, electrical engineering, mathematics, environmental science, and computer-aided drafting are required for car designers.
Skills Needed
Successful car designers need to be creative and should have strong math and science skills. They must also have a background in computer-aided drafting techniques, and they need strong communication skills.
Career and Economic Outlook
Slower-than-average job growth of 4% is expected in the field of commercial and industrial design in general between 2016 and 2026, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The salary for car designers varies greatly depending on experience, employer and location. The BLS (www.bls.gov) reported the median annual salary among commercial and industrial designers, such as car designers, as $66,590 in May 2018.
Alternative Careers
Individuals who wish to become part of the car design and manufacturing process might also consider the following car design jobs:
Mechanical Drafter
For those who are interested in using computer software to prepare schematics and other drawings, becoming a drafter is another career possibility. Mechanical drafters take rough drawings from engineers and create computer-generated images that can be used to construct prototypes of machines and other mechanical devices. To enter this profession, training from an associate degree or certificate program in drafting is generally required, and obtaining optional professional certification can be beneficial when looking for work. The BLS predicts the field of mechanical drafting will see an increase of 5% in job opportunities for 2016-2026, with the best prospects in the country's manufacturing hubs. These drafters earned a median salary of $55,920 per year, based on 2018 figures from the BLS.
Industrial Engineer
If a job in overseeing the manufacturing of automobiles sounds appealing, then a career in industrial engineering should be considered. Industrial engineers analyze the manufacturing production process and find ways to improve time, cost, quality and work flow. They also make sure that equipment is working properly and client satisfaction is met. Gaining employment in this area requires a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or another related engineering field. According to data from the BLS, a 10% increase in employment of industrial engineers is projected from 2016-2026. In May of 2018, the BLS also estimated that these professionals received $87,040 in median yearly wages.
