UX/UI designer

What does a UX/UI designer do?

• Research users through interviews, surveys and observation to understand their needs.
• Map user journeys and organise the structure and content of apps and websites.
• Create sketches, wireframes and interactive prototypes.
• Design screens, icons, typography and visual styles that match the brand.
• Test designs with real users and improve them based on the results.
• Make sure products are accessible to people with disabilities.
• Work closely with developers and product managers to build the final product.

Where do they work?

UX/UI designers work for technology companies, digital agencies, banks, retailers, media organisations, governments and consultancies. Many public services are now designed by in-house digital teams, which also hire designers. Freelancing is common, especially for UI and visual design. Most work is done at a computer, with frequent workshops, user testing sessions and meetings with developers. Remote and hybrid work is widespread, although some employers prefer designers to be in the office for collaboration.

What skills do you need?

• User research and usability testing
• Wireframing and prototyping
• Visual and interaction design
• Accessibility standards
• Design tools and design systems
• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS
• Empathy and listening skills
• Presenting and explaining design decisions

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• design process
• use markup languages
• interact with users to gather requirements
• manage online content
• translate requirement concepts into visual design
• create website wireframe
• develop creative ideas
• design user interface
• define technical requirements
• test system accessibility for users with special needs
• draw design sketches
• utilise methodologies for user centered design

Essential knowledge: web programming · ICT accessibility standards · graphics editor software · human-computer interaction · task algorithmisation · software UI design patterns · application usability · ICT security legislation

How do you become a UX/UI designer?

There is no single required degree. Many UX/UI designers studied graphic or interaction design, psychology, human-computer interaction or computer science, and some come from unrelated fields such as architecture, journalism or teaching. What employers look for most is a portfolio of case studies. These should show how you researched a problem, designed a solution and tested it with users. Career changers often take a bootcamp or online course, then build experience through volunteer, freelance or internal projects. Interviews usually include a portfolio review and sometimes a design task.

1. University degree. Degrees in design, interaction design, human-computer interaction, psychology or computer science all lead into UX/UI work. Some universities offer specialist bachelor's or master's degrees in UX or service design. Choose a course that includes user research, prototyping and real projects, so that you finish with a portfolio.
2. Moving from a related field. Graphic designers, web developers, marketers, researchers and customer service staff often move into UX, because they already understand users or digital products. Adding user research and prototyping skills, and redesigning real products as portfolio projects, can help you start applying for junior roles.
3. Bootcamp or self-taught. Intensive courses and online learning can teach the main methods and tools in a few months. This route has become more competitive because many people have taken it. You need a portfolio based on real users and real problems, not only course exercises.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Design

  A design degree teaches how to create visual communication, products, spaces, clothing and digital experiences that work well for people.

  6 linked careers

• Psychology

  A psychology degree is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour: how people think, feel, learn, develop and relate to each other.

  6 linked careers

• Computer science

  A computer science degree teaches how software, data and computer systems work, from programming and algorithms to networks and artificial intelligence.

  9 linked careers

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Do you need a licence to work as a UX/UI designer?

UX/UI design is not a regulated profession, so you do not need a licence or a specific qualification. However, designers often have to follow accessibility rules, which require many public-sector websites and apps to be usable by people with disabilities. These rules differ between countries and regions, but many refer to the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Laws on privacy and consumer protection also affect how interfaces are designed.

How much does a UX/UI designer earn?

Pay in the United States

• $104,000Median annual wage, May 2025
• $53,750–$201,550Range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%
• 113.3KPeople employed in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 15-1255, May 2025. National estimates across all industries; excludes the self-employed.

Earnings of Professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 2, "Professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes UX/UI designer and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Junior UX/UI designer
2. UX/UI designer
3. Senior or lead designer
4. Principal designer or design manager
5. Head of design or design director

Job outlook

Digital products and online public services continue to need good design, and many organisations now see user experience as essential. However, the entry-level market has become crowded, and hiring slows when technology companies cut costs. AI tools can now produce layouts and visual variations quickly, which reduces routine UI work. Designers with strong research skills, knowledge of accessibility and a clear understanding of business goals are likely to remain in demand.

Questions about becoming a UX/UI designer

What is the difference between UX and UI design?

UX (user experience) design is about how a product works: understanding users, planning the structure and testing whether people can complete their tasks. UI (user interface) design is about how it looks and feels, including layouts, colours, typography and interactive elements. Many jobs combine both, especially in smaller teams.

Do you need to know how to code to be a UX designer?

No, coding is not usually required. However, a basic understanding of HTML, CSS and how developers build products helps you design things that can actually be built, and it makes working with developers easier. Some roles, often called UX engineers or design technologists, combine design with front-end coding.

Can I become a UX designer without a degree?

Yes. Many UX designers do not have a design degree, and employers mainly judge candidates by their portfolio and interview. A degree can still help with graduate schemes, some larger employers and work visas. Without one, focus on case studies that show real research and testing, not just attractive screens.

Is UX design a good career?

It can be a rewarding career if you enjoy solving problems for people and working with others. The field grew quickly and is now more competitive at entry level, so getting your first job can take time. Designers who build strong research skills and understand a sector, such as health, finance or government, often find better opportunities.

Related careers

• Web developer

  Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications, from the pages people see to the servers and databases behind them.

  Degree often expected

• Graphic designer

  Graphic designers create visual content that communicates ideas, such as logos, brand identities, packaging, posters, publications, websites and social media graphics.

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• Game designer

  Game designers decide how a video game works: its rules, goals, levels, characters, story and the experience players have.

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Sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — SOC 15-1255, national estimates, May 2025
2. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
3. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 2513.3

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become a UX/UI designer: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/ux-ui-designer/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

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