8 Entry-Level UX Designer Jobs To Break Into the Industry

User experience (UX) design is the backbone of smooth digital interactions, shaping how we navigate websites, apps, and tools. With demand for UX professionals soaring, this field offers lucrative salaries, career growth, and opportunities for creativity.

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or career changer, UX design is accessible with the right skills, tools, and portfolio. In this guide, we’ll explore seven entry-level UX jobs, the skills required, and actionable steps to break into this exciting field, so you can start building the future of human-computer interaction.

What Is UX Design?

The Nielsen Norman Group defines UI/UX design as creating user experiences that encompass all aspects of the end-user interaction with the company, its services, and its products. User design is about meticulously designing how the customer uses, interacts with, and feels about the product, creating the best experience for them. They conduct user research and use graphic design principles and visual design fundamentals to create better experiences and engage consumers. They use product design tools like the full range of Adobe Creative Suite or Adobe XD to make sure everyone has the best experience possible.

What Does a UX Designer Do?

In short, UX designers create products such as websites, mobile apps, and web apps, using an iterative process rooted in design thinking, a user-centric problem-solving approach that drives a continuous cycle of experimentation, validation, and refinement. They work full-time or part-time, and can work as freelance professionals as well. This includes a variety of tasks such as:

• Identifying and defining problems
• Product design
• User research and tailoring products according to user research
• Ideation using affinity maps, empathy maps, user personas, and journey maps
• User interface design
• User experience testing
• Information architecture
• Sketching, wireframing, and prototyping
• Using visual design tools
• Knowledge of graphic design principles and creative design solutions

Depending on the organization’s size, industry, and the nature of the business, these roles can be performed by one person or a team of UX professionals, product managers and designers.

Entry-Level UX Designer Jobs: A Complete Guide

User experience, though an emerging field, isn’t a monolith. Several specializations within user experience design can be an excellent entry point to a successful career in the field.

Job Title	Overview	Basic Requirements
UX Design Intern	Provides hands-on experience for graduates or career changers to learn UX processes and build portfolios.	No prior experience required; helpful to have knowledge of UX tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) and a related degree.
Junior UX Designer	Full-time entry-level role assisting senior designers and teams in creating user-centered products.	Understanding of design tools (Figma, Sketch), usability testing, and basic graphic design knowledge.
UX Researcher	Focuses on understanding user behavior to guide design decisions through research methods.	Bachelor’s degree in research, psychology, or related fields; skills in qualitative/quantitative research.
Interaction Designer	Specializes in creating interactive product elements such as menus and workflows.	Knowledge of user flows, information architecture, and tools like Figma or Adobe Suite.
Visual Designer	Focuses on creating the aesthetic and graphical elements of a product while maintaining brand identity.	Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and understanding of visual design principles.
Information Architect	Structures and organizes information to enhance usability and discoverability.	Skills in user flows, wireframing, content design, and a degree in computer science or related fields.
Product Designer	Combines UX design and product management to oversee user experience for product components.	Strong interpersonal skills, UX design knowledge, and familiarity with prototyping and testing.
UX Writer	Crafts user-facing content like microcopy to guide and inform users through digital interfaces.	Strong writing skills, understanding of UX principles, and familiarity with design tools (e.g., Figma).

UX Design Intern

An internship is one of the best entry-level UX designer jobs, providing a perfect segue into the field. It allows fresh graduates or those transitioning to a UX career to understand the design process, gain field experience, and build a strong online portfolio.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist researchers with surveys, interviews, usability studies, data collection, analysis, and report creation.
• Support senior designers by contributing design ideas and creating wireframes and prototypes.
• Build industry connections and find mentors.
• Use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and other design software.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $36,011 annually or around $20/hour.

General Requirements

• Familiarity with UX tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch.
• No prior work experience is typically required.
• Competitive internships may require:
• A degree in arts, graphic design, human-computer interaction, or similar.
• Foundational knowledge of product design concepts.

Junior UX Designer

A junior UX designer is a permanent full-time position for those entering the field. This role offers the opportunity to be part of a UX team solving real-world problems through research and design.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with UX researchers to create journey maps, personas, and analyze user feedback.
• Develop wireframes and prototypes.
• Coordinate usability testing initiatives.
• Document designs for hand-off to developers.

Average Salary

• Salary range: $68,250–$119,138, depending on experience, location, and organization type.

General Requirements

Strong foundation in:

• Design thinking and user-centered design.
• Qualitative and quantitative research.
• Tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Usability testing and collaboration.
• Knowledge of graphic design principles.

UX Researcher or Usability Researcher

UX researchers focus on understanding user needs and behaviors to guide human-centered design. This role is critical for creating user-friendly products and is one of the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the US.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations to understand user behavior.
• Validate design ideas, prototypes, and concepts, iterating for improvement.
• Advocate for users within the organization.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $100,400 annually.
• With experience, salaries can rise to $230,000.

General Requirements

• Communication and presentation skills.
• A degree in research, psychology, computer science, or a related field.
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Usability testing and data analysis.

Interaction Designer

Interaction designers focus on how users interact with a product, often working closely with UX and UI designers.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Create user journeys and workflows.
• Build information architecture.
• Design interactive elements (e.g., menus, buttons, forms) with a focus on responsiveness.
• Collaborate with engineers, writers, and product managers to ensure design intent is met.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $103,359 annually.
• Can reach $190,000 with experience and seniority.

General Requirements

• Strong understanding of information architecture, user flows, and responsive design.
• Familiarity with design tools like Figma or Adobe Creative Suite.

Visual Designer

Visual designers focus on the product’s aesthetics, creating graphical elements like banners, icons, and typography while maintaining consistent branding.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design visual elements for websites and applications.
• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines, accessibility, and interactivity.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $74,098 annually.
• Senior roles can pay up to $135,000.

General Requirements

• Proficiency in design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
• Strong grasp of visual design principles, branding, and online communication.

Information Architect

Information architects structure and present content to make it easy to find and understand.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Improve the discoverability and accessibility of information.
• Create information flows and design process diagrams.
• Collaborate with writers and designers to ensure clarity.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $149,550 annually.

General Requirements

• Proficiency in user flows, wireframing, and prototyping.
• Skills in user experience, content strategy, and content design.

Product Designer

Product designers oversee user experience for specific product components, combining UX design, product management, and business analysis skills.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and refine user experiences.
• Collaborate with various teams, including researchers, architects, and visual designers.
• Create prototypes and conduct user testing.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $90,414 annually.
• Senior product designers can earn up to $150,000.

General Requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and project management.
• Knowledge of UX design processes, prototyping, and testing.
• Basic understanding of front-end development is a bonus.

UX Writer

A UX writer focuses on crafting the words and content that appear in a digital product, guiding users through the interface and ensuring clarity, consistency, and a positive user experience. Their work includes microcopy such as button labels, error messages, tooltips, onboarding text, and more. UX writers play a critical role in shaping how users interact with and understand a product.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Write clear, concise, and user-friendly content for digital interfaces.
• Collaborate with UX designers, researchers, and product teams to align content with user needs and business goals.
• Develop style guides and tone-of-voice documentation to ensure consistency across the product.
• Conduct content audits and usability testing to evaluate the effectiveness of copy.
• Advocate for users by ensuring all content supports accessibility and inclusivity.

Average Salary

• Average salary: $75,000 annually.
• Salaries can range from $55,000 to $115,000, depending on experience, location, and company size.

General Requirements

• Strong writing and editing skills, ideally with experience in technical writing, copywriting, or content strategy.
• Knowledge of UX principles and user-centered design processes.
• Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or other design collaboration platforms.
• Basic understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
• Background in English, communication, journalism, or related fields is often preferred but not mandatory.

Benefits of a Career in UX Design

As an emerging field, UX design offers excellent job opportunities for fresh graduates and experienced professionals transitioning into the field. It allows creative individuals to create products and experiences that will shape the future of human-computer interaction. And there’s more.

• High Demand and Job Security: UX design is one of the most in-demand roles across industries, with a shortage of skilled professionals. This high demand ensures job security and opportunities to advance into higher-paying roles.
• Competitive Salaries Without a Four-Year Degree: The average UX designer in the US earns $97,000 annually, with entry-level salaries often reaching six figures in tech hubs. Many enter the field through bootcamps or self-learning, making it accessible without a traditional degree.
• Simplifying Technology for Everyday Life: UX designers make technology more accessible and user-friendly, enhancing daily activities like setting alarms, grocery shopping, or banking, and ensuring inclusivity for all users.
• Creative Problem-Solving: UX design combines creativity and problem-solving, offering daily challenges that require innovative solutions. Specialized roles like UI design, interaction design, and user research allow deeper focus on specific challenges.

What Can I Do To Land a Full-time Job as a UX Designer?

Finding a job as a full-time UX designer may take some time, but you can boost your chances. 

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant terms like human-computer interaction design, years of professional experience, Adobe XD, Adobe Creative Suite, AI, user research, and product design to optimize your resume for talent management systems.
• Create Job Alert Emails: Set up job alerts based on desired locations (e.g., Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, New York) or specific companies (e.g., JPMorgan Chase, Amazon) to stay updated on opportunities.
• Look at Related Fields: Explore roles in related areas such as UI/UX design, user experience research, and UI design by reading job descriptions in those fields.
• Get Your Design Portfolio Ready: A strong portfolio is essential for all levels of designers, so focus on showcasing your best work effectively.
• Complete a Certification Program: Enrolling in a UX certification program can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates.
• Look for an Internship: Consider internships with companies hiring fresh graduates as a stepping stone if entry-level roles aren’t immediately available.

It may take some time, but it will pay off!

FAQs About a Career in UX Design

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions. 

Since you’re here…
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