National Salary Overview
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Median Salary
$81,843
Average (Mean)
$86,563
Employed Nationwide
29,980
VS
Commercial and Industrial Designers earns $11,127 more (15.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,843
$70,715
Average (Mean) Salary
$86,563
$76,575
Total Employment
29,980
38,650
States with Higher Pay
30
7
Salary by State: Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Writers and Authors
Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 30 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 7.
| State | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Writers and Authors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,640 | $66,950 | $-3,310 | ||
| Arizona | $76,420 | $55,990 | +$20,430 | ||
| Arkansas | $92,540 | $47,970 | +$44,570 | ||
| California | $100,770 | $86,480 | +$14,290 | ||
| Colorado | $90,590 | $76,830 | +$13,760 | ||
| Connecticut | $81,300 | $98,460 | $-17,160 | ||
| Florida | $78,720 | $68,080 | +$10,640 | ||
| Georgia | $91,360 | $74,710 | +$16,650 | ||
| Idaho | $80,730 | $56,360 | +$24,370 | ||
| Indiana | $88,040 | $75,820 | +$12,220 | ||
| Iowa | $70,420 | $61,010 | +$9,410 | ||
| Kansas | $104,870 | $65,840 | +$39,030 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,100 | $48,780 | +$27,320 | ||
| Louisiana | $98,040 | $89,520 | +$8,520 | ||
| Maryland | $70,870 | $104,330 | $-33,460 | ||
| Massachusetts | $101,720 | $85,260 | +$16,460 | ||
| Minnesota | $94,370 | $72,810 | +$21,560 | ||
| Missouri | $75,440 | $58,140 | +$17,300 | ||
| Nebraska | $71,570 | $65,470 | +$6,100 | ||
| Nevada | $76,680 | $63,910 | +$12,770 | ||
| New Hampshire | $74,050 | $71,830 | +$2,220 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $81,590 | +$8,720 | ||
| North Carolina | $80,620 | $63,660 | +$16,960 | ||
| Ohio | $79,470 | $65,930 | +$13,540 | ||
| Oklahoma | $76,640 | $58,770 | +$17,870 | ||
| Oregon | $76,970 | $80,540 | $-3,570 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,610 | $77,410 | +$5,200 | ||
| Rhode Island | $101,140 | $70,190 | +$30,950 | ||
| South Carolina | $77,300 | $51,920 | +$25,380 | ||
| South Dakota | $60,110 | $56,700 | +$3,410 | ||
| Tennessee | $71,230 | $58,870 | +$12,360 | ||
| Utah | $62,620 | $64,530 | $-1,910 | ||
| Vermont | $80,690 | $94,430 | $-13,740 | ||
| Virginia | $82,230 | $85,000 | $-2,770 | ||
| Washington | $94,280 | $85,700 | +$8,580 | ||
| West Virginia | $73,030 | $64,410 | +$8,620 | ||
| Wisconsin | $80,590 | $64,370 | +$16,220 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Writers and Authors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Writers and Authors?
On average across all states, a Commercial and Industrial Designers earns more than a Writers and Authors. The national median salary difference is $11,127 (15.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial and Industrial Designers earn more than a Writers and Authors?
A Commercial and Industrial Designers earns a higher median salary than a Writers and Authors in 30 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers is $81,843 per year, compared to $70,715 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Writers and Authors. BLS reports approximately 29,980 Commercial and Industrial Designers positions and 38,650 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Commercial and Industrial Designers or Writers and Authors?
Both Commercial and Industrial Designers and Writers and Authors are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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