5 Different UX Jobs You Could Land
5 Different UX Jobs You Could Land
As a student interested in technology and design, you may be wondering what types of jobs you will want to give a try. You have probably heard of User Experience (UX) Design, a growing field that deals with the designing of products for end users. But, in the field of UX, you’re definitely not limited to just design. There are multiple careers in the field that are continuing to grow and be in high demand. UX is a diverse field with numerous specialized roles. Read on to learn more about 5 different types of in demand UX jobs you could land.
What is User Experience?
Although the term “User Experience” may be relatively new, and jobs in the field are currently growing at a rapid rate, the idea of UX can be traced back to the earliest interactions between people and products. User experience is essentially how a user interacts with and experiences a product or service. UXers are tasked with making sure products are easy to use and that users are having an enjoyable experience when using said product. However, UXers don’t just work on the end-goal — they work at every step of the development of a product, from defining to researching to prototyping.
No matter your UX specialization, there is one essential skill you must have to make it in the UX world. Because UX is all about the end-user, to be a UXer, you must have a good sense of empathy. UXers must be able to put themselves in the shoes of the customer and understand their needs, preferences, and pain points to create valuable experiences. As a UXer, whether a designer, engineer, or researcher, you will be collaborating with different teams to create valuable experiences by integrating the user’s perspective into the product development process.
5 Different UX Jobs You Could Land
UX is a wonderful field to work in, and there are multiple specializations to choose from that will allow you to utilize your technical, creative, and analytical skills. It’s a great way to transition into tech if you’re looking for a career change or if you simply want to be a part of a dynamic industry that’s shaping the future of user interactions. With the ever-increasing importance of user-centered design, UX professionals have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the products and services that people use every day, making it an exciting and rewarding field to be a part of.
1. UX Designer
It’s the job of UX Designers to make a product or service usable and enjoyable for end users. They use their eye for design and their heart for empathy to research, design, and ultimately create a product, whether it be a mobile app or website, that delivers an experience that’s useful, easy to use, and desirable. A common mix up arises between UX and User Interface (UI) design. While job responsibilities may overlap, there is a difference between UX and UI. UI specifically focuses on the product's visual appearance while UX focuses on interaction.
A day in the life of a UX Designer includes identifying and defining problems, researching user needs, creating wireframes and prototypes, conducting usability testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Between 2022 and 2032, the UX Design job is estimated to grow 16 percent. In 2022, the role’s median pay was $81,000. If you’re interested in breaking into UX Design, an educational background in digital design could help you get through that door.
2. UX Writer
UX Writing is a fairly new term for an occupation that has long since existed and evolved. UX Writing, also known as microcopy, is a specialized form of writing within UX. It involves creating clear, concise, and user-friendly text that appears in user interfaces, including websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. Ever clicked on a broken link that took you to an error 404 page? The brief error message and call to action was likely written by a UX Writer. If you're interested in this career, you might also want to explore job titles like Technical Writer or Content Designer, as they refer to similar roles with overlapping responsibilities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, UX Writing, or Technical Writing, is said to grow 7 percent by 2032. The median salary for UX Writers is about $80,000.
3. UX Engineer
UX Engineers bridge the gap between engineering and design. Drawing from a solid foundation in front-end development, with skills in HTML, CSS, and Javascript, UX Engineers craft accessible and usable user experiences while also using design skills. They collaborate with UX Designers to ensure that their design vision is translated effectively into code. Their responsibilities include making sure interactive elements function seamlessly and perform optimally, user interfaces adhere to accessibility standards, and that digital interfaces adapt properly to different devices.
A lucrative career can be found in UX Engineering, with an average salary of $110,000 a year. If you’re interested in UX Engineering, a background in web and information systems or digital design are great ways to start.
4. UX Researcher
If you enjoy delving into research, a career as a UX Researcher may be a great fit for you. UX Researchers specialize in understanding and improving the way users interact with products and services by conducting research to gain insights into user behaviors, needs, preferences, and pain points. Their research helps design teams create more user-friendly and effective experiences. They conduct various types of research, such as user interviews, surveys, and observational studies. The ability to empathize is crucial in a UX Researcher role as they must be able to understand the problem from a user’s perspective.
The average UX Researcher salary in the U.S. is about $85,000 a year. A background in research and UI/UX design are great ways to break into UX Research.
5. UX Manager
If you’re interested in a more administrative and managerial role within the realm of UX, then a role as a UX Project Manager might just be your cup of tea. UX Project Managers have a solid background in the technical aspects of UX, a strong sense of empathy, and a deep understanding of the UX process. But it is their job to oversee and manage the projects focused on improving user experience and ensure that they are completed successfully, on time, and within budget. UX Project Managers must be organized, team-players, and leaders.
UX Managers make about $125,000 a year in the U.S. Combining a management degree with a UX background can equip you to pursue a role as a UX Project Manager.
Explore the wonderful world of UX
With the continuous advancement of technology, the world of User Experience is growing at an exponential rate. If you're still unsure about whether or not UX is right for you, you may have certain skills that fit perfectly in a UX role. There are multiple specializations you can go into within User Experience, including UX Design, Writing, Engineering, Research, and Program Management. At NJIT, you can gain the skills needed to excel in any branch of UX. With a Certificate in UI/UX Design, you can get started on your UX journey today.