So, You Want to Be a… UX Designer

How much money can you make?

What type of training will it take?

what does the job actually entail?

Read on to find out whether this is the job for you

What will I be doing all day?

A UX/UI designer is responsible for making digital products — like apps or websites — easy and enjoyable to use, while also making them look visually attractive. Their work includes researching what users need, planning how people will move through the product, designing the screens and visuals, testing how well it all works, and working closely with developers and product teams to create a smooth, attractive final result.

What is the difference between UX and UI design?

UX design (or product design) has increasingly become a catch-all title that includes both UX and UI.

UX (user experience) refers to how a product works — the research and strategy that that go into making a product easy and enjoyable to use.

UI (user interface) refers to how a product looks — the visual layout, interface elements, and interaction design.

What kind of training do I need?

While there is no specific degree required, many UX designers come from backgrounds in psychology, graphic design, or computer science. Most learn the field by taking courses such as UX bootcamps, online classes, or getting practical project experience.

Do I have the personality for it?

A good UX designer is good at understanding how people think and behave, balances creativity with analytical problem-solving, is patient, attentive to detail and is able to adapt to constantly changing tools. Strong empathy, curiosity, and communication skills are also essential.

What can I expect to make?

While salaries vary by region and experience, the average salary in the US for junior UX designers is $50,000–$80,000, while more senior level designers can earn $90,000–$180,000 and more.

For freelancers, hourly rates can range from $35 at the beginner level to $200+ at senior levels.