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Industrial/product designer: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries: £20,000 - £25,000 (salary data collected Jan 08).
• Range of typical salaries at senior level, with experience and management responsibility (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role): £32,000 - £55,000 (salary data collected Jan 08).
• Salary levels vary according to the size and type of employer. Salaries in London are likely to be higher.
• Contracting tends to pay higher salaries but is highly dependent upon the consultant's reputation and client-base.
• The role requires a flexible attitude to working hours in order to meet deadlines or to resolve design difficulties. Although extra hours should be expected, these will not normally include weekends or shifts.
• The working environment is typically a shared studio/office and PC workstation, which may be situated in close proximity to the shop-floor production area to facilitate close liaison with production engineers.
• Self-employment or freelance work is quite common but normally occurs after developing a track record of relevant industrial experience and a network of contacts and potential clients.
• Although the industry is welcoming more female entrants, there are still fewer women than men in the profession.
• While jobs are available in all parts of the UK, there is a concentration of design consultancies in London and the South East. Point-of-sale manufacturers are concentrated in the East Midlands.
• The dress code is normally relaxed and informal, reflecting the work environment. However, smarter business dress may be appropriate when meeting with potential new clients, negotiating new contracts or delivering product presentations.
• Travel within a working day, absence from home overnight and overseas work may be needed occasionally.

AGCAS

Written by Lisa Price, The Manchester Metropolitan University

Last updated:

January 2009

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