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Job outlook for design specialists in the United States
Design specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected design specialist job growth rate is 1% from 2018-2028.
About 800 new jobs for design specialists are projected over the next decade.
Design specialist salaries have increased 15% for design specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,335 design specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 68,347 active design specialist job openings in the US.
The average design specialist salary is $56,917.
Are design specialist jobs in demand?
Design specialist job and salary trends over time
Design specialist jobs over time
Design specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,335 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,094 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,222 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,913 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,827 | 0.00% |
Average design specialist salary over time
Design specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $56,917 | $27.36 | +1.8% |
| 2025 | $55,899 | $26.87 | +5.0% |
| 2024 | $53,236 | $25.59 | +3.6% |
| 2023 | $51,371 | $24.70 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $49,685 | $23.89 | +2.0% |
Design specialist jobs by state
Most common states for design specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 217 | 31% |
| 2 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 734 | 18% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,132 | 17% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 97 | 16% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 199 | 15% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 147 | 15% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,020 | 14% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 441 | 14% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 81 | 14% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 137 | 13% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 96 | 13% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,020 | 12% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 692 | 12% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 369 | 12% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 90 | 12% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,470 | 11% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 614 | 11% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 219 | 11% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 114 | 11% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 98 | 11% |
Most common cities for design specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Culver City | 1 | 3% | $66,244 |
| 2 | Aliso Viejo | 1 | 2% | $64,538 |
| 3 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $46,451 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $46,354 |
| 5 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $39,650 |
| 6 | Anaheim | 2 | 1% | $65,307 |
| 7 | Pasadena | 2 | 1% | $66,196 |
| 8 | Ann Arbor | 1 | 1% | $51,876 |
| 9 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $51,783 |
| 10 | Costa Mesa | 1 | 1% | $64,917 |
| 11 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $65,938 |
| 12 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $43,542 |
| 13 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $60,257 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $66,289 |
| 15 | New York | 2 | 0% | $68,335 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $47,265 |
| 17 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $52,496 |
| 18 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $51,871 |
| 19 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $49,059 |
| 20 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $43,796 |
Design Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of design specialist experts
Louisiana State University and A&M College
University of Cincinnati- Clermont College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Seattle University
Saint Peter's University
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
SagreraBrazil Design, Inc.
What general advice would you give to a Design Specialist?
Dr. Mary Elliott: Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What Design Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mary Elliott: The fashion industry is one of the largest industries in the world. According to McKinsey & Company, if the fashion industry were a country measuring GDP, it would be the 7th largest economy in the world. The fashion industry encompasses all of the processes needed to take raw product to finished textiles and then to the finished product ready for purchasing by the consumer. This diverse, fast-paced, constantly changing industry is generally divided into two categories for preparation purposes: the creative side and the business side.
What Design Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Georges Fares: Maximizing salary potential in interior design involves a combination of strategic actions and ongoing professional development. To start, focusing on niche areas within interior design that are currently in high demand, such as sustainable design, healthcare design, or incorporating advanced technology, can significantly enhance your market value. These specialized skills set you apart from competitors and allow you to command higher fees for your expertise. Pursuing additional certifications and advanced degrees can further improve your qualifications and deepen your knowledge in these specialized areas. For example, obtaining LEED certification for sustainable design or a master's degree in healthcare design can make you more attractive to employers looking for specific skill sets. Networking is another critical component of maximizing salary potential. Establishing connections with industry professionals, mentors, and potential employers can lead to job opportunities with competitive salaries. Attending industry conferences, participating in professional organizations, and engaging in online communities are effective ways to build and maintain a robust professional network. A well-organized portfolio is essential in showcasing your best work, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to meet clients' needs, and including case studies that highlight improvements in functionality, sustainability, or user experience. Developing soft skills such as strong communication, negotiation, and leadership is also crucial, as they help articulate your design vision, secure better project terms and salaries, and position you for higher-compensation managerial roles. Overall, these strategies can help new graduates navigate the early stages of their careers and position themselves for financial and professional growth in the interior design field. By continuously improving your skills, expanding your network, and showcasing your work effectively, you can enhance your professional reputation and salary prospects.
Dr. Andy Curran
Professor, Area CoordinatorUniversity of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Digital Media Communications
What soft skills should all Design Specialists possess?
Dr. Andy Curran: -Creative skills
-Problem solving
-Communication (written & verbal)
-Project management (personnel, budgeting, time, resources)
What hard/technical skills are most important for Design Specialists?
Dr. Andy Curran: -File management
-Computer literacy skills
-Software proficiency
What skills will help Design Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Andy Curran: Creative skills, particularly knowing how to craft an appropriate message for each project.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Design Specialists?
Erik Beehn: I think one skill or class that may be useful for artists leaving school is a business in the arts class, something that may help with more than just building a portfolio and can give some insight as to how to manage a studio practice, how to submit grants and proposals, I think that is often information that is left out of a fine arts degree.
Morten Bustrup
Adjunct Professor of DesignSeattle University
Department of Art, Art History & Design
What's a day at work look like for a Design Specialist?
Morten Bustrup: Based on the above, they will be in a hybrid setting, at least in 2021. They will engage through a variety of digital collaboration tools and will most likely go through on-boarding virtually for their first job, at least in 2021. Some might enjoy more focused design time in a remote setting. They'll also spend more time in building relationships with their colleagues in a virtual environment. Sounds like Naomi might have some more info here based on recent graduates.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Design Specialist job market given the pandemic?
James Adler: The biggest trend in the music market, during and likely post-Covid-19, is towards streaming. While in-person concert bookings and Pop-field "gigs" are not happening in-person, more and more artists are turning to:
(a) Live streaming over YouTube, and other platforms
(b) Recording a concert, a solo work, a "pop" song, or chamber ensemble with a few, socially distant-sitting or -standing artists, then uploading that product to social media outlets
Some artists are offering their performances gratis. This is a good way to keep their audience (base) interested in their music. I've done that, several times, after my live concerts have been either cancelled, or postponed.
Some sources, such as The Metropolitan Opera here in New York, are streaming for a fee. The Met "On Demand" streaming service can run $14.99 per month. Apple, Amazon, Samsung Smart TV, make these concerts or operas available to their subscribers for less. Other performing organizations are offering shorter streamed concerts for a suggestion donation, or small fee of $10 USD.
The important take-away from this: Artists, as well performing arts organizations and concert booking folks, need to "think outside the [proverbial] box," a result of Covid-19's effect on the industry.
What general advice would you give to a Design Specialist?
Abby Guido: We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.
Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.
Carmita Sanchez-Fong
Professor and ChairpersonFashion Institute of Technology, SUNY
Interior Design Department
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Design Specialists to find work opportunities?
Carmita Sanchez-Fong: Wherever there are people, there is a need for interior design innovation. Our students are all over the United States and abroad. Keep in mind that each state and city has a vastly different population size, infrastructure, income levels, behaviors, trends, and even level of sophistication. Do your research. Do not pick the place that pays you the most. Pick a location outside of your comfort zone that will challenge your skills and support your growth as a person and designer.
How do you envision technology impacting Design Specialists in the next 5 years?
George Brazil: Technology is only going to make what we do a lot easier and more streamlined. The fact that we learned we can work remotely, still be efficient if we plan it properly, and still service our clients has made our job more efficient.
Of course there are all the fancy rendering software programs out there that help us convey our intent and tell a story to our client. Most design programs teach some of these programs, yet it is more important now that graduates have a strong knowledge of both 2D and 3D programs as well as rendering solutions.