If you’re creative and want to use that talent to earn a living, you may be interested in the best careers in design. We’ve made your research easier by compiling the best fulfilling professional paths here. So, read on and start planning your next move!
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Quickstart Guide To Getting A Design Career
- Make sure your resume is updated. Getting a high paying design job can be really competitive. Think about it like this: you’re selling the company on a major investment in you, so you need to do everything in your power to get an edge. Investing a little money to have a resume writing service assist with your resume can be a great way to stand out.
- Find and apply for jobs. Start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click. Get started with ZipRecruiter today! You can also explore other job posting sites for more options.
The Best Careers In Design
If you’ve got a Bachelor’s degree (or you’re willing to obtain one), you should consider these careers:
1. Art Director
Median National Salary: $105,180/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 135,100
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: As an art director, you’ll lead a team of designers to complete creative projects on time and on budget. Additionally, art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual design of a project or campaign, such as advertising, magazines, or films. Art directors are responsible for developing and implementing the overall visual style and tone of the project, as well as managing a team of designers and artists. They also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as clients or creative directors, to ensure that the project meets their needs and objectives.
2. Graphic Designer
Median National Salary: $57,990/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 270,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: As a graphic designer, you’ll create images, illustrations, or other visuals (typically with a computer) that may get used in digital marketing campaigns, printed materials, or product packaging.
For more information, check out our graphic designer job description. You can also explore our guide to creating a graphic design resume and learn how to hire a graphic designer.
3. Architect
Median National Salary: $82,840/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 123,700
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 5% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an architect involve designing and planning buildings and other structures. Architects are responsible for creating design concepts and blueprints, specifying building materials and systems, and ensuring that the design meets safety and building codes. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as engineers and contractors, to ensure that the project is completed within budget and on time.
4. Video Editor
Median National Salary: $62,420/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 87,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a video editor involve manipulating and editing video footage to create a cohesive and engaging final product. Video editors are responsible for reviewing and selecting footage, assembling video clips, adding sound and visual effects, and ensuring that the final product meets the client's needs and objectives. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as directors and producers, to ensure that the edited video meets the creative vision of the project.
5. Industrial Designer
Median National Salary: $75,910/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 32,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 2% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an industrial designer involve designing and developing products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Industrial designers are responsible for researching user needs, creating sketches and prototypes, and testing and refining product designs. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as engineers and manufacturers, to ensure that the product is produced within budget and on time.
6. Interior Designer
Median National Salary: $61,590/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 94,900
**Job Growth 2022 – 2032:**4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: As an interior designer, you’ll maximize the utility, safety, and beauty of spaces by optimizing the layout, selecting decor and lighting, and more. The job duties of an interior designer involve designing and planning interior spaces for residential and commercial properties. Interior designers are responsible for creating design concepts and blueprints, selecting and specifying furniture and decor, and ensuring that the design meets safety and building codes. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and contractors, to ensure that the project is completed within budget and on time.
7. Fashion Designer
Median National Salary: $76,700/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 24,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: As a fashion designer, you’ll create clothing, footwear, and accessories based on market trends and your brand aesthetic. The job duties of a fashion designer involve designing and creating clothing, footwear, and accessories. Fashion designers are responsible for researching trends, creating design concepts and sketches, selecting fabrics and materials, and overseeing the production of the final product. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as patternmakers and manufacturers, to ensure that the design is produced within budget and on time.
8. Animator
Median National Salary: $98,950/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 89,300
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an animator involve creating and producing visual effects and animations for various media, including films, television shows, video games, and advertisements. Animators are responsible for developing storyboards, creating character designs, and using specialized software to create and manipulate images and animations. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as directors and producers, to ensure that the final product meets the creative vision of the project.
9. Set or Exhibit Designer
Median National Salary: $59,000/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 27,000
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a set or exhibit designer involve designing and creating the sets and displays for film, television, theater, museums, and other events. Set and exhibit designers are responsible for researching the subject matter, creating design concepts and sketches, selecting materials and props, and coordinating with other professionals, such as directors and producers, to ensure that the final product meets the creative vision of the project. They also oversee the construction and installation of the set or exhibit.
10. Product Designer
Median National Salary: $144,360/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 270,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a product designer involve designing and developing products from concept to production. Product designers are responsible for researching user needs, developing product specifications, creating sketches and prototypes, and testing and refining product designs. They also collaborate with other designers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure that the product meets user needs and is produced within budget and on time.
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11. Motion Designer
Median National Salary: $77,852/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 89,300
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a motion designer involve creating and designing animated graphics and videos for various media, including films, television shows, advertisements, and social media. Motion designers are responsible for developing storyboards, creating visual effects, and using specialized software to create and manipulate images and animations. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as directors and producers, to ensure that the final product meets the creative vision of the project.
12. Creative Director
Median National Salary: $109,148/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 121,500
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a creative director involve overseeing the creative vision and direction of a project or campaign, such as advertising, marketing, or media production. Creative directors are responsible for developing and implementing the overall creative concept and strategy, as well as managing a team of designers, writers, and other creative professionals. They also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as clients or marketing executives, to ensure that the project meets their needs and objectives.
13. Furniture Designer
Median National Salary: $51,062 year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 32,400
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 2% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a furniture designer involve designing and creating furniture, such as chairs, tables, and cabinets. Furniture designers are responsible for researching trends and user needs, creating design concepts and sketches, selecting materials and finishes, and overseeing the production of the final product. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as manufacturers and retailers, to ensure that the design is produced within budget and on time.
14. Landscape Designer
Median National Salary: $67,252/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 23,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 1% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of a landscape designer involve designing and planning outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and residential or commercial properties. Landscape designers are responsible for creating design concepts and blueprints, selecting and specifying plants and materials, and ensuring that the design meets safety and environmental regulations. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and contractors, to ensure that the project is completed within budget and on time.
15. Design Consultant
Median National Salary: $72,947/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 987,600
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 10% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a design consultant involve providing expert advice and guidance on design projects, such as interior design, product design, or graphic design. Design consultants are responsible for evaluating client needs, developing design concepts and strategies, and providing feedback and recommendations on design choices. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as designers and contractors, to ensure that the design is implemented correctly and meets project requirements.
16. Advertising Director
Median National Salary: $107,394/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 389,000
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an advertising director involve overseeing the advertising strategy and campaigns for a company or organization. Advertising directors are responsible for developing and implementing advertising concepts and campaigns that deliver results and meet organizational objectives. They also collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to identify and address advertising needs and opportunities for improvement, as well as managing a team of advertising professionals.
17. Art Professor
Median National Salary: $64,108/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s or masters degree
Number of Jobs: 1,333,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an art professor involve teaching and instructing students in various areas of art, such as painting, sculpture, or graphic design. Art professors are responsible for developing lesson plans and course materials, evaluating student work, and providing feedback and guidance to students. They also conduct research and participate in academic activities, such as attending conferences or publishing scholarly articles.
Best Careers In Design Without A Degree
If you don’t have a degree (and don’t plan on pursuing one), you can still have a great career in design. Here are four options to explore:
18. Photographer
Median National Salary: $40,000/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Number of Jobs: 148,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a photographer involve capturing and editing photographs for various purposes, including advertising, editorial, and personal use. Photographers are responsible for selecting and setting up equipment, choosing and composing shots, and editing and retouching images. They also collaborate with clients, such as models or businesses, to ensure that the final product meets their needs and objectives.
19. Artist
Median National Salary: $53,000/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent (though holding a Bachelor’s degree in this role is common)
Number of Jobs: 54,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: As an artist, you’ll imagine and create art pieces to sell or showcase. The job duties of an artist involve creating and producing artwork using various mediums, such as paint, pencil, or digital software. Artists are responsible for developing their own unique style and creating original works of art, as well as collaborating with clients or other professionals to create artwork for specific projects or purposes. They also participate in exhibitions and shows to showcase their work and promote their brand.
20. Web Developer
Median National Salary: $80,000/year
Education Required: Varies. A high school diploma may be accepted.
Number of Jobs: 216,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 16% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: As a web developer, you’ll conceptualize and build functional and visually pleasing websites. The job duties of a web developer involve designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. Web developers are responsible for writing code in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, creating website layouts and user interfaces, and integrating data from back-end services and databases. They also test websites for functionality and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Want to learn more about what it takes to be a web developer? Read our web developer job description to learn what employers are looking for. Then, read our tips for creating a web developer resume.
21. Digital (User) Interface Designer
Median National Salary: $80,000/year
Education Required: Varies. A high school diploma may be accepted.
Number of Jobs: 216,000+
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 16% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: As a digital interface designer, you’ll create and test what website and app users see to maximize intuitiveness, visual appeal, and functionality. The job duties of a digital interface designer involve creating and designing user interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. Digital interface designers are responsible for creating wireframes, prototypes, and mockups of digital products, as well as conducting user research and usability testing to ensure that the design meets user needs. They also collaborate with other designers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure that the design is implemented correctly and meets project requirements.
How Do You Get A Good Paying Design Career?
If you want to land a good paying design career, here are some tips.
Develop Your Skills
It's important to familiarize yourself with essential graphic design tools and software packages. Some of the tools that graphic designers use most include Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. There are typically courses and tutorials available online that can help you develop your software skills.
Build A Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is your chance to showcase your best work. Make sure to include a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills and creativity. You may need to print work to bring to an interview, but digital portfolios are becoming more common.
Consider Specializing
Rather than focusing on the broad field of design, consider specializing in a specific area of design. Focusing on a specialization can help you to hone in on your area of genius.
Network
Networking is a great way to meet people in the industry and learn about job opportunities. Attend local design events, join professional organizations, and connect with other designers on social media.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to network.
Stay Up-To-Date
Design is a constantly evolving field, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Read design blogs and publications, attend workshops and conferences, and continue to learn and grow your skills.
Best Places To Find Careers In Design
Ready to start looking for your next opportunity in design? Begin your search here:
Online Job Posting Sites
Online job posting sites are the first place we would recommend searching.
ZipRecruiter is a well-known job board that can help almost any professional land their next role — designers and creatives included. You can sift through posted positions by entering keywords and your desired location and filtering by distance, salary, and other parameters. The platform also provides valuable salary insights so that you can confidently go into your next offer negotiation.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
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Niche Job Boards
Niche job boards like Behance and Dribble are also great options.
Owned by Adobe, Behance claims to be the “world’s largest creative network for showcasing and discovering creative work.” The platform features a job board with hundreds of full-time and freelance roles. You can search for opportunities by entering a keyword and filtering by location and creative field. You may be able to apply for select jobs directly from the Behance website.
Dribbble is a community and social network for designers and other creatives. If you’re looking for full-time work, the platform’s job listings are relevant but limited. However, if you’re a freelancer and are willing to pay $20 per month, you can receive a daily digest of gig leads, making you aware of hundreds of opportunities per week.
Work With A Recruiter
You could also consider working with a recruiter who specializes in the design industry. Recruiters who specialize in design can help you find a job opening that matches both your skills and experience.
Local Career Fairs
Attending local job fairs can be a good way to connect with potential employers in your area and learn about job openings. Job fairs often attract a variety of employers and provide job seekers with an opportunity to meet with recruiters and hiring managers in person.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, this article gives you a good idea about the best careers in design. If you’re ready to start your job search, consider partnering with one of our top picks for the best resume writing service to revamp your resume. Then, go to ZipRecruiter and start applying!
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