Design is a diverse and constantly evolving field that encompasses a wide range of specialties, each with its own unique set of skills and demands. With so many different paths to take, it can be challenging to determine which design jobs offer the best compensation. In this blog, we will be exploring the 15 highest paying design jobs in 2023. From user experience designers to graphic designers and beyond, we'll take a look at what these jobs entail, what skills they require, and what kind of salaries they can command in today's job market.
Highest paying design jobs
1. Product design
Product design is a field that's equal parts art and science. It takes a special kind of designer to create something that not only looks great, but also functions flawlessly and solves a problem in a creative way. And lucky for these designers, their skills are in high demand! In 2023, product design is one of the highest paying design jobs around, as businesses of all sizes seek out professionals who can help them create products that stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're designing the next must-have gadget or crafting the perfect coffee mug, a career in product design is a ticket to a lucrative and fulfilling future. So, if you have a passion for designing objects that make life better, this might just be the field for you!
Average salary: £40,000 - £93,000
2. User Experience (UX) Designers
User Experience (UX) Designers are the masterminds behind creating user-friendly and enjoyable digital experiences for all types of products. They design with empathy and put themselves in the user's shoes to ensure the end-product is as smooth and intuitive as possible. In 2023, UX design is in high demand as businesses increasingly recognize the importance of creating a seamless user experience in order to stand out from the competition. The demand for UX Designers is growing faster than a designer's love for coffee! So if you're a student who loves solving problems and making technology more accessible, consider taking your first steps into a career as a UX Designer.
Average salary: £45,000 - £90,000
3. User Interface (UI) Designer
User Interface (UI) Designers are the artists who make technology look as good as it works. They craft the visual design, layouts, and interactions that allow users to interact with digital products. In 2023, UI design is one of the highest paying design jobs, and the demand for UI designers is hotter than a designer's computer after a long day of work. Companies are looking for designers who can create beautiful, functional, and intuitive interfaces for their products, and they're willing to pay top dollar for the best talent. If you're a student who loves design and technology, a career as a UI Designer could be the perfect fit for you. With the right training, skills, and a portfolio that showcases your talents, you'll be able to design your future and command a high salary in this exciting field.
Average salary: £37,500 - £65,000
4. Front-end Web Developer
Gather all students with a flair for design and a passion for the web! If you're looking for a career that's both fulfilling and financially rewarding, look no further than Front-end Web Development. This field is on the rise in 2023, and the demand for skilled developers is higher than ever. And the silver-lining? It pays to be on the cutting edge, with Front-end Web Development being one of the sweetest deals in the design world. So, don't let this opportunity slip through your fingertips, and join the web development revolution today! Your future self will thank you for it, and trust us, you'll be the toast of the tech town!
Average salary: £45,000 - £65,000
5. Motion Graphics Designer
Attention all aspiring design students, are you ready to bring your creative visions to life? If so, a career as a Motion Graphics Designer might be the perfect fit for you! This field is gaining momentum in 2023, and the demand for skilled designers is soaring higher than ever. Plus, with motion graphics being one of the highest paying design jobs, you'll be able to turn your passion into profit. So, don't be a still image, bring your designs to life and take the world of design by storm. Get ready to create animations that are out of this world and leave a lasting impression on your audience!
Average salary: £28,000-£45,000
6. Design Manager
A career as a Design Manager might just be the home run you've been searching for! This field is making a big impact in 2023, with a growing demand for skilled leaders who can bring their design teams together and hit the bullseye with their creative vision. These creative masterminds are responsible for overseeing and guiding design teams to success, making sure their projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet the client's needs. As a Design Manager, you'll be the glue that holds your team together, making sure everything runs smoothly and stays on track. And the icing on the cake? Being a Design Manager is one of the 15 highest paying design jobs of 2023, so you'll be able to turn your passion into profit. Being a Design Manager is not just a win for your portfolio, but also for your bank account.
Average salary: £45,000-£70,000
7. Art Director
Wish to become the creative mastermind behind the next big campaign? Then it's time to consider a career as an Art Director! These visionaries are responsible for overseeing the visual style and message of a project, ensuring that every aspect is on-brand and aesthetically pleasing. As an Art Director, you'll be the conductor of your design orchestra, bringing together all the elements to create a harmonious and impactful final product. The role as an art director is one of the highest paying design jobs currently and will turn out to be a fulfilling career for aspiring designers.
Average salary: £25,000-£80,000
8. Digital Designer
A role as a Digital Designer would be perfect for you if you wish to turn your passion for technology into a career. This field is on the rise in 2023, with a growing demand for designers who can bring their creative vision to life in the digital world. As a Digital Designer, you'll be responsible for creating visually appealing designs for websites, apps, and other digital platforms. From brainstorming to final production, you'll be the one bringing your designs to life and making sure they are user-friendly and engaging. So, don't be a pixel out of place, and consider becoming a Digital Designer.
Average salary: £26,000-£70,000
9. Game Designer
In 2023, the gaming industry is experiencing a surge in growth, making it an exciting time to break into this field. Game Designers are in high demand, with a wide range of opportunities available across a variety of platforms. a career as a Game Designer might just be the perfect fit for you! As a Game Designer, you'll be responsible for bringing your unique vision to life, creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences for players. But it's not just about having fun, Game Designers also need to be strategic thinkers, able to balance creativity with technical skills. So, whether you're a fan of console games or mobile gaming, this career path offers a chance to turn your passion into a lucrative and rewarding career.
Average salary: £40,000-£75,000
10. Motion-graphic Designer
Are you ready to bring your designs to life with motion? Then it's time to consider a career as a Motion Designer! In 2023, the demand for Motion Designers is on the rise and the field is growing at a rapid pace. It's also one of the highest paying design jobs, so you can expect a rewarding career both creatively and financially. But it's not just about the pay, being a Motion Designer allows you to showcase your creativity in unique and innovative ways. These visual wizards are responsible for creating engaging and dynamic graphics that captivate audiences and tell a story through movement. So go ahead can conside this as a sign to conside this as your career.
Average salary: £30,000-£76,000
11. 3D Designer
In 2023, the Ai industry is going through a real power-up phase, making it the perfect time to enter this exciting field. 3D Designers are in high demand and are some of the highest paid designers in the industry. Whether you're a fan of creating realistic characters or fantastical worlds, as a 3D Designer, you'll have the opportunity to bring your wildest designs to life. From an endless limit of the requirements you will be able to work on many projects including creating 3D models and animations for various industries including gaming, film, and product design.
Average salary: £30,000-£76,000
12. Landscape Designer
Green with envy over your friend's design careers? Well, it's time to turn that envy into inspiration and become a Landscape Designer! These designers bring outdoor spaces to life by incorporating elements of nature with design principles to create beautiful and functional landscapes. Whether it's designing a public park, a residential backyard, or a commercial plaza, a Landscape Designer's canvas is the great outdoors. In 2023, the demand for Landscape Designers is on the rise, and the field is growing at a steady pace. Plus, with a career that pays greener than most, you can expect a blooming financial future while indulging in your passion for design and nature. You get to do your part in making the world a more beautiful and green place, one design at a time.
Average salary: £30,000-£86,000
13. Architectural Designer
Architectural Designers are like the architects of the future, using their creative minds to design buildings that are sustainable, energy-efficient, and innovative. These design experts bring their imagination to life by creating structures that are both functional, have a positive impact on the environment and are aesthetically pleasing. With a growing emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient design, and Architectural Designers are at the forefront of the movement. And the best part? In 2023, this career is one of the highest paying design jobs, So, if you have a passion for creating innovative and functional structures, then a career as an Architectural Designer may be the perfect fit for you! Check out the best architecture universities in UK to kick start your career.
Average salary: £30,000-£76,000
14. Concept Artist
In 2023, Concept Art is not just a career choice, it's a ticket to ride the wave of the entertainment industry's growth! With the rise of digital media, the demand for Concept Artists has skyrocketed, making it one of the highest paying design jobs around. They are the visionaries of the entertainment industry, turning the abstract into the concrete with their sketches and illustrations! As a Concept Artist, you'll have the opportunity to bring your imagination to life, painting a picture of the characters, environments, and worlds that captivate audiences. A steady hand, an eye for detail, and a wild imagination are just the tip of the iceberg of what you need to become a concept artist. Most of all, you need to have a passion for storytelling and a love for bringing your creative vision to life. So, if you're ready to jump into the world of Concept Art, be prepared to unleash your inner creativity and join the ranks of the artistic elite! With a promising career growth rate and a high-paying salary, this job is a dream come true for any aspiring artist.
Average salary: £45,000-£70,000
15. Design Technologist
Design technologists are the jack-of-all-trades in the design world, blending technical skills with creative vision. They're the ones who take an idea and turn it into a reality, using technology to bring a design to life. In 2023, design technologists are in high demand and are among the highest paying design jobs. With their unique combination of technical and creative abilities, they're the ones who help bridge the gap between designers and developers, making sure that a design is not only beautiful but also functional. With the rapid advancement of technology, the career growth rate for design technologists is skyrocketing, making it a great career option for students who are tech-savvy and creatively inclined. So, if you're looking to merge your love for technology and design, a career as a design technologist might be just what you need to make your dreams a reality!
Average salary: £30,000-£76,000
In conclusion, the design industry offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals to showcase their creativity and earn a lucrative salary. The 15 highest paying design jobs for 2023 include positions in fields such as UX design, graphic design, product design, and architecture. These careers offer a balance of creative fulfillment and financial stability, making them an attractive option for professionals looking to build a successful career. Whether you're just starting out in your design career or are looking for a change, these 15 high paying design jobs are worth considering.