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May 30, 2024 - 3 minutes

UX Design Career Outlook

Discover what a career in UX design could look like for you.

Juliette Carreiro - Tech Writer

According to CNNMoney/PayScale’s top 100 careers with big growth, great pay and satisfying work (i.e. 100 Best Jobs in America), UX design ranked #14 with top pay hitting $138K and a growth rate of 18%.

User Experience (UX) Design is one of the fastest growing fields. And if you think about the growth in smartphone and tablet sales, it’s not surprising that the field of UX is experiencing double digit growth–every interaction you have with your device has in some way been influenced by a UX designer. 

From 2012 to 2015, UX climbed up from #43 to #14 as the top 100 best jobs in America. And with advances in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, the demand for UX Designers is only going to increase.

Becoming a UX Designer

Becoming a UX designer is like stepping into a world where your creativity meets real-life impact. You're not just designing interfaces; you're crafting experiences that touch people's lives every day. It's about putting yourself in their shoes, understanding what they need, and then weaving magic into your designs to make their digital journey seamless and enjoyable. 

From sketching out ideas to seeing them come to life through testing and iteration, it's a journey filled with moments of insight, collaboration, and making things better, one click at a time. And in a world that's increasingly digital, being a UX designer means being at the forefront of making technology more human-centered and accessible to all. There has never been a better time to become a UX Designer. Why? Let’s dive right in: 

  • The average starting salary for a UX Designer in the United States is $68K

  • In big companies such as Facebook, Google & Amazon, the role of a UX Designer breaks down into specific positions such as UX Researcher, Information Architect, Content Strategist, and more. 

  • Within small to medium sized companies, the roles are more all-inclusive, meaning a UX Designer is responsible for the entire design cycle from User Research to Usability Testing. 

  • Typically, new entrants in the field start off with smaller companies to gain experience in all parts of the UX Design process. 

  • After a few years of experience, the role becomes more focused based on strengths and likes/dislikes.

And the best part? There’s no formal education or test required to become a UX Designer and there are tons of free online resources where you can get started. Or if you’re looking for a more detailed and hands-on approach to learning, consider a UX/UI Design Bootcamp, like the one we offer at Ironhack: 

  • Immersive learning: bootcamps offer a hands-on, immersive experience tailored to the demands of the UX design industry.

  • Practical skills: through intensive coursework and real-world projects, you gain practical skills that are immediately applicable in the field.

  • Mentorship: benefit from mentorship by seasoned professionals who provide guidance and industry insights throughout the program.

  • Collaborative environment: work in a collaborative environment that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and mimics the fast-paced nature of the industry.

  • Portfolio building: focus on building a robust portfolio that showcases your skills and projects, enhancing your job readiness.

  • Career transition: whether starting from scratch or transitioning from another field, bootcamps provide a transformative experience that equips you with the tools and confidence to enter the UX design workforce with impact.

If you’re interested in launching your career in UX Design in a fast-paced, structured classroom environment, our UX Design course might be the perfect choice. In addition to full and part time options, as well as remote or in-person classes, at the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to participate in hiring week where we provide career support and connect you with our network of hiring partners.

Sound like a good fit? Don’t miss the chance to become a UX designer. 

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