Image that illustrates Designer, industry

Designer, industry

53 900 kr

Industrial designers

50 900 - 54 600 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Designer, industry

Average salary 53 900 kr
Males 54 600 kr
Females 51 600 kr

What does a designer in the industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A designer in the industry works on creating and developing products that combine functionality, aesthetics, and user-friendliness. Tasks include the entire process from idea and concept development to finished product, including sketches, 3D modeling, and prototype development in close collaboration with engineers, marketers, and production teams. The work often occurs in project form and the environment is characterized by interdisciplinary teamwork and a fast pace. It is common for designers to participate in meetings with clients and suppliers to ensure the product meets both technical and visual requirements. The work environment is generally office-based but may also involve visits to factories or partner companies.

Salary development over time

The salary development for designers in the industry has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 50,400 SEK per month, which increased to 51 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 53 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 7% over the three-year period. This salary increase reflects a continued demand for the profession and an increased understanding of the designer’s importance for companies’ competitiveness. The trend shows that employers value specialized skills and experience highly, especially as product development becomes more complex and globally competitive.

Designers in the industry salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 53 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,900 SEK/month (men), 51,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 54,600 SEK/month (men), 52,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 324 SEK/hour
  • Gender gap: Women earn 95% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a designer in the industry usually involves post-secondary education in industrial design, product design, or similar fields. The programs combine technical understanding, artistic skills, and knowledge of materials and production techniques. Practical experience through projects or internships is highly valuable for strengthening employment prospects.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in industrial design (3 years) or equivalent
  • Certifications: Courses in CAD, 3D modeling, and prototype development
  • Internships: Common component of education, often during the final year
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and often a portfolio or work samples
  • Advice for choosing: Select programs with close ties to industry and opportunities for internships

Industrial designers often work in teams with engineers, marketers, and user researchers. The ability to communicate and explain design ideas to people with different backgrounds is therefore crucial for success in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Designers in the industry are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include bonus programs, professional development, and access to company healthcare. Larger companies may also offer staff discounts and subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a designer in the industry can be fierce, especially in metropolitan areas where both education providers and employers are concentrated. Challenges include constantly keeping up to date with new technologies, materials, and digital tools, while customer demands for innovative and sustainable solutions increase. Portfolio requirements and work samples are often decisive in recruitment, demanding professional documentation and presentation of work. Additionally, the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage rapid project changes is essential.

Tips for aspiring industrial designers

To succeed as a designer in the industry, it is beneficial to combine strong creativity with a structured working approach. Precision and problem-solving skills are critical when merging technical and aesthetic requirements in new products. Building a well-developed portfolio during education often provides an advantage in job hunting, and engaging in projects outside of studies enhances networks and experience. The ability to collaborate across disciplines and communicate ideas clearly is important, as is listening to client needs and market trends. Finally, early specialization in high-demand areas such as sustainable design or digital tools can improve employment prospects.

Key facts about industrial designers

  • Educational level: Bachelor's degree in industrial design (3 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based, often project-oriented
  • Job market: Approximately 620 job openings in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
  • Special skills: CAD, 3D modeling, prototype development

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many designers in the industry advance to more specialized roles, such as senior industrial designer, project manager for design teams, or user experience lead. Opportunities also exist to work internationally or start a consulting business. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service do not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but currently, there are 620 job openings in the field, indicating ongoing demand. Technological development, sustainability requirements, and digitalization are expected to increase the need for skilled industrial designers in the future. The profession is long-term favored by companies investing in innovation and product development, although competition for the most attractive positions can be high.

Frequently asked questions about industrial designers

  • What does a designer in the industry earn?
    - The average salary is 53 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
  • What are the gender differences within the profession?
    - Women earn on average 95% of what men earn in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a designer in the industry?
    - A bachelor's degree in industrial design or a similar field is most common.
  • How large is the job market for industrial designers?
    - There are currently 620 job openings in the profession in Sweden.
  • Is there an opportunity for further education or specialization?
    - Yes, many choose to pursue further education in areas such as sustainable design, user experience, or digital tools.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Creativity, teamwork skills, and problem-solving abilities are especially important for success as a designer.
  • What are the future prospects for designers in the industry?
    - Projections are uncertain, but technological development and increased focus on design suggest continued demand.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Designer, industry is 54600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 52300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Designer, industry is 50900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 51300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 44900 kr 45200 kr
35-44 100% 52700 kr 53200 kr
45-54 97% 60800 kr 61700 kr
55-64 61300 kr 62100 kr
Snitt 95% 53300 kr 53900 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Designer, industry has the SSYK code 2171, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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