⭐ Bright Outlook

UX/UI Designer

O*NET 15-1255.90 · SOC 15-1255

UX/UI Designer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $104k a year with +6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 8,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+6%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$104k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
8k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Conduct user research and usability testing to inform design decisions
  • →Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups in Figma or Sketch
  • →Design intuitive user interfaces that balance aesthetics with accessibility
  • →Collaborate with product managers and engineers to ship features
  • →Maintain and evolve design systems for consistency across products

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for UX/UI Designer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a UX/UI Designer? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Creative, studios, agencies, or remote

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a UX/UI Designer involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningConduct user research and usability testing to inform design decisions
MiddayCreate wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups in Figma or Sketch
AfternoonDesign intuitive user interfaces that balance aesthetics with accessibility

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Artistic (Creators)6.5
Investigative (Thinkers)4.5
Social (Helpers)4.0
Realistic (Doers)3.0
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.0
Conventional (Organizers)3.0

Who Thrives as UX/UI Designer?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ENFPThe CampaignerINFJThe AdvocateENTPThe InnovatorINFPThe Idealist

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open UX/UI Designer Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

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Job Outlook

Employment of UX/UI Designer is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.

Will AI Replace This Job?

19/100Low risk, AI-resistant
  • ·30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·52% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a UX/UI Designer make?

The median UX/UI Designer earns $104k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace UX/UI Designer jobs?

Our model puts UX/UI Designer at 19 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 52% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is UX/UI Designer a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 8,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a UX/UI Designer?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for UX/UI Designer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a UX/UI Designer?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a UX/UI Designer career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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