Commercial and Industrial Designers
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 148 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 94% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Fabricate models or samples in paper, wood, glass, fabric, plastic, metal, or other materials, using hand or power tools.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Fashion Designers
Very similar work+10% pay574 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 10% more—$101,400 vs your $92,152 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Design
- Originality
- Active Listening
- Fluency of Ideas
- Critical Thinking
New skills to build
- Fine Arts
Materials Engineers
Very similar work+40% pay37 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 40% more—$129,426 vs your $92,152 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Deductive Reasoning
- Active Listening
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Science
- Physics
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Category Flexibility
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Similar work+12% pay93 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 12% more—$103,543 vs your $92,152 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Design
- Visualization
- Mathematics
- Near Vision
- Originality
New skills to build
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
Materials Scientists
Somewhat similar work+47% pay40 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 47% more—$135,427 vs your $92,152 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Deductive Reasoning
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Active Listening
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Science
- Mathematics
- Written Expression