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Job outlook for facility designers in the United States
Are facility designer jobs in demand?
Facility designer job and salary trends over time
Facility designer jobs over time
Facility designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 235 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 232 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 248 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 250 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 250 | 0.00% |
Average facility designer salary over time
Facility designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $63,152 | $30.36 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $61,650 | $29.64 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $59,591 | $28.65 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $57,615 | $27.70 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $56,361 | $27.10 | +1.6% |
Facility designer jobs by state
Most common states for facility designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 229 | 33% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 905 | 12% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 440 | 11% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 757 | 9% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,115 | 8% |
| 6 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 785 | 8% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 257 | 8% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 109 | 8% |
| 9 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,339 | 7% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 386 | 7% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 77 | 7% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 43 | 7% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 760 | 6% |
| 14 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 587 | 6% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 357 | 6% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 186 | 6% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 55 | 6% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 46 | 6% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 688 | 5% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 320 | 5% |
Most common cities for facility designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cottage Grove | 1 | 3% | $55,747 |
| 2 | Burnsville | 1 | 2% | $55,661 |
| 3 | Columbus | 1 | 2% | $54,752 |
| 4 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $66,327 |
| 5 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $65,423 |
| 6 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $60,042 |
| 7 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $66,883 |
Facility Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of facility designer experts
University of Akron
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Ferris State University
University of North Texas
Highline College
Marywood University
Belmont University
Florida International University
Middle Tennessee State University
Providence College
Saint Peter's University
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
Albion College
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Kansas City Art Institute
Kansas State University
Kansas State University
University of Dubuque
What general advice would you give to a Facility Designer?
David Flynn: Everything that you see has been touched by a designer. The field is expanding with technology, but basic communication design principals remain paramount. It doesn’t matter if it’s a newspaper ad or a social post, you must have a professional that knows how to communicate a message, move the viewer's eye, and make the point. Designers work in every company and in every industry, worldwide.
What will help Facility Designers increase their earning potential?
Allen Garcie MFA: On the technical side, software is always evolving so skills related to this are always important. However, I think keeping up with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) is going to be most important for designers over the next 3 to 5 years. This is an area that's already changing the design field as companies like Adobe and others continue to integrate AI into their software. On the other hand, being a designer isn't all about developing technology-related skills though. I also think developing non-technical skills like creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are extremely important for any designer.
What are the best companies to work for a Facility Designer?
Patrick Klarecki: The Printing and Packaging Industry has had a strong history of employing college graduates each year. In my 28 years as faculty/administrator for the Graphic Communication and Graphic Media Management degrees, we have always had 3-6 jobs available for each of our graduates. Even through the 2008 economy, we were able to celebrate full employment for our graduates.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Facility Designers to find work opportunities?
Patrick Klarecki: Graduates in May 2020 and December 2020 did not see the opportunities their previous alumni did. We were able to place only about 25% of our graduates. There are a couple that have offers of employment "When things get better."
What type of skills will young Facility Designers need?
Patrick Klarecki: Recent projections from the Printing United Alliance show business owners are optimistic about 2021 and see their needs returning to "Pre-COVID" levels by the end of 2021 or early 2022. The workforce in our industry continues to age, technology continues to evolve, and young minds' needs will prevail.
Bill Morgan
Coordinator, Undergraduate Program — Interior Design, Lecturer, Interior DesignUniversity of North Texas
Department of Design
What hard/technical skills are most important for Facility Designers?
Bill Morgan: -Drawing Proficiency (drawing of all types, includes 3D visualization)
-Technical Proficiency (detailing)
-Project Management
What soft skills should all Facility Designers possess?
Diana Boyd: -Collaboration/Teamwork
-Interpersonal
-Reliability
-Ethical behavior
-Self-starter
Sue Jenkins
Associate ProfessorMarywood University
Art Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Facility Designers?
Sue Jenkins: It might be too soon to tell. At Marywood U., 97% of 2019 grads are employed or going to grad school, but we don't have figures yet for the class of 2020. What we have seen since March 2020 is an increase in remote internships and employment opportunities. This COVID-adaptive type of flexibility will likely influence how employers hire and retain designers in the post-COVID world.
What type of skills will young Facility Designers need?
Sue Jenkins: A strong understanding of the Principles and Elements of Art and Design, killer typography skills, an understanding of color theory, some training in sociology and psychology to gain a better understanding of user experience, creative and critical thinking skills, attention to details, a strong conceptual framework that supports the project goals, the ability to speak up, take critical feedback and be a team player, and above all the courage to be authentic and bring something fresh to the table.
What experience really stands out on Facility Designer resumes?
Sue Jenkins: Before saying what stands out most, there's one thing to avoid; those skill self-assessment bar graphs that take up too much real estate and don't provide the reader with valid, useful data. A better solution is to list skills and proficiency in years, such as Adobe Photoshop, three years.
Now, what stands out most on a resume is evidence of creative engagement beyond the classroom. Has the student been a member of any clubs? Won any awards? Have you participated in any solo or group exhibitions and completed any internships, pro bono, or freelance work? Have you worked on any side projects? Run an Etsy, Society6, or RedBubble account? Sold any commissioned work? Definitely include all these types of activities along with any tangible outcomes and achievements, like "Designed a series of digital documents that downsized paper waste and reduced the client's carbon footprint by 13%." Results-oriented statements provide a better sense of the designer's understanding of their role and their value to an organization.
Doug Regen
Professor of PracticeBelmont University
Graphic Design Department
What skills stand out on Facility Designer resumes?
Doug Regen: Ability to problem-solve with strong creative solutions. Innovative. Detail-oriented. Ability to design creative solutions based on research...understanding the target audience, trends, etc.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Facility Designer job market given the pandemic?
Katie Rothfield: The post-COVID-19 job market for interior architecture/design majors largely mirrors what we are seeing in each respective industry: while some trades, such as hospitality and cruise ship, are seeing a downturn or outright freeze in work, other sectors, such as law, were unaffected by the pandemic and are still operating and hiring at normal speed. Likewise, just as there is a great demand for healthcare workers, demand is also high for interior designers with strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of innovative sustainable design practices, building systems, technology, and psychology/theory who can address issues related to indoor air quality, viral transmission on surfaces, and social distancing.
In addition, corporations will need interior designers to study and respond to new remote and in-person work patterns and rethink the future design of the office, and with so many people spending countless hours at home, there is increased interest and demand in the residential design market.
Noel Lorson
Associate Professor - director of Graphic DesignMiddle Tennessee State University
Department of Art and Design
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Facility Designer job market given the pandemic?
Noel Lorson: Creative agencies-in-house through big advertising firms, will hire on a short-term contract basis. The emails that I receive requesting recent graduates and alumni back this up. Companies are hesitant to hire full-time, which is understandable, but work is picking up and they need assistance.
What soft skills should all Facility Designers possess?
Eric Sung: Hard assets may assist job seekers to get one hired but soft skills are immensely critical for one to excel after once hired. Multiple studies confirm that higher ranking positions require increased portion of soft skills compared to hard or technical skills.
Considering the market trend change during and past COVID, where more jobs will require specialized skills with less human interaction, the needs of having someone with communication skills, conflict resolution and mediation skills, negotiation skills would be far more preferred. Knowing that large part of what some of the current jobs require us to do eventually will be assisted or entirely replaced by AI, the skills that may be unique to humans will gradually became more important. Other critical soft skills would be adaptability, foundational problem-solving skills with diversified perspective on matters. and relatability to the other thoughts.
How have salaries changed over time for Facility Designers?
Eric Sung: Since my job and how I train my college students are not directly related to one specific occupation, it is rather difficult for me to present a pin-point answer for this question. However, I see that salaries in general are being more polarized. Entry-level jobs' starting salary changed to downward while management or higher ranking position salary have been increased in the recent years.
How have salaries changed over time for Facility Designers?
James Adler: Absolutely! When I started out, fees were higher than they are today. Why? There is more competition. Also, grants -- national, local, and from individual sponsors or underwriters -- are more difficult to come by for the concert or "gig" presenter. So artists' and performers' fees may be out of the producer's or presenter's own pocket. Hall or rehearsal space rental is more expensive, now. On-site recording engineers are more expensive.
For songwriters, lyricists, composers, royalties will likely not be able to pay the rent. Certainly, not at first. So it's a good idea to have that back-up career, some way to make money. It will help support the dream, and provide that solid base.
Emily McLaughlin
Interior Design Technology Program Director and Associate Clinical ProfessorIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
School of Engineering and Technology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Facility Designer job market given the pandemic?
Emily McLaughlin: Based on recent information which I have seen released from professional organizations in my discipline, I believe that we can expect more employers seeking students who retain science-based knowledge relative to the design of our built environments. Those who know how to research proven solutions for increased productivity, health, safety, or wellness in spaces such as offices, hotels, hospitals, and schools will be in high demand.
In addition, those with advanced technology skills who can use software to communicate design ideas both in person as well as virtually will be important, and graduates who are trained to understand a global market as it relates to business commerce will be in a position to help companies navigate a new norm. I also believe that the market will likely see a new focus on residential home design as our workforce has shifted and now requires ergonomic solutions and dedicated work spaces in the places that we live due to an increase in agile employment situations. In summation, those who have experience in evidence-based practice will be in high demand as employers seek to hire degree holders who retain fresh and creative ideas for solving new problems.
What general advice would you give to a Facility Designer?
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.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Facility Designers in the next 3-5 years?
Abby Guido: Our field is constantly changing and adapting; sometimes it moves so fast you cannot keep up. The areas I see growing are in AR/VR and experiential design.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Facility Designers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Abby Guido: Designers can be well-compensated for their work. Some design areas are more lucrative than others, which tend to be the jobs in digital design. These jobs include user-experience design, experiential design, interactive design, motion design, and all AR and VR design positions.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Facility Designer job market given the pandemic?
Lisa TenHulzen: This is a big question. Because of the financial strains the pandemic has placed on the entertainment industry, I suspect we will see trends towards smaller cast shows as well as simpler productions, overall. I believe this will help to ease some of the financial burdens a large cast and crew can place on a theatre, as well as help ease the audience back into a sense of security. Depending on the location of the production, an audience might not feel comfortable attending a large-scale performance. Smaller shows lend themselves better to smaller audiences. All of this to say, I believe theatre jobs will be in short supply for quite some time. At least until theatres are able to make up some of the financial losses. This means hiring will be limited to core positions of production such as directors, stage managers, technical directors, designers, and only a few technicians. For smaller theatres, we will most likely see theatre artists taking on multiple jobs within the production.
What Facility Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa TenHulzen: What skills need to be enhanced really depends on the area of the theatre they traditionally worked in. For makers and artisans, I would suggest pursuing any hobby or job that will continue to stretch your creative side. You do not want to go for an extended period of time without making something with your hands. The same goes for the directors and actors, but find something where you can use your creative analysis and presentation skills. Start a podcast, read new plays, make videos, etc. The skill of a theatre artist can stagnate if it is not used. Take advantage of the time you have, and pursue a personal creative project.
What general advice would you give to a Facility Designer?
Lisa TenHulzen: Work hard. I don't have to tell you that being successful in the theatre business is extremely difficult, even at the best of times. Post-pandemic, I believe this will be even harder. You have to be able to push yourself to become stronger, more professional and more driven than you ever anticipated. Being in the theatre professionally is not easy, and if you expect it to be, you are in the wrong field. Even the most talented among us have to work their tails off to be successful. Pursue anything and everything that comes your way, be kind to your colleagues, and be collaborative. Understand that there are 100 more artists waiting to take your place, so treat each position with the respect it deserves. One thing that will not change post-pandemic is how small the theatre world is and how much that can help or hinder you based on the relationships you build.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Facility Designer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: COVID-19 accelerated the widespread use of e-commerce, and omnichannel retailing has never been more vital. Consumers are doing their research before purchasing a product, or even going into a brick-and-mortar store, making technology even more important in our word. People entering the job market know how to utilize different technologies to allow company operations to be more transparent and efficient. Job candidates must be comfortable with data analytics and forecasting future challenges. During times of industry disruption, job candidates with a broad knowledge of the industry, including product development and design, supply chain and sourcing, merchandising, and textile science will be more desirable.
What skills stand out on Facility Designer resumes?
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: The retail industry is robust and requires many skills. Content and industry-related knowledge are essential, including comfort with computer applications like Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Excel. Beyond knowledge of the industry, job candidates need excellent communication skills in written and oral forms. It's also highly recommended that job candidates have work experience in their area of interest, which could include an internship, job shadow, or part-time position.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Facility Designers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen Ph.D.: Job opportunities are everywhere in this industry. Keep an eye on your favorite brands and the location of their corporate offices. In particular, the Midwest is home to many corporate offices. There have been shifts for other offices to move to the Midwest to take advantage of its centralized location in the United States. Thus, the industry is all around us!
Mark Boyer
Director, Robert Reich School, Reich Teaching ProfessorLouisiana State University and A&M College
College of Art and Design
What type of skills will young Facility Designers need?
Mark Boyer: I don't think the skill set needed will change much from what it has been. Qualities that come to mind are: teachable, reliable, thoughtful, articulate, adaptable, engaged, critical thinker, technologically adept, able to think big and small, empathetic, and good listener.
What experience really stands out on Facility Designer resumes?
Mark Boyer: I think an employer would be better to answer this question, but my speculation is that experience as an intern in an office would be important, any experience that would be in an area related to a direction the firm is going or type of projects they are pursuing. I think any type of construction or building experience would be of interest.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Facility Designers?
Mark Boyer: I would think that those who have gone through this experience will be changed in ways we still have yet to learn. Some of those changes will be positive (adaptability, endurance, resiliency), and some may be negative (depression, loss of family members or jobs).
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Facility Designer job market given the pandemic?
Chris Chapin: In reflecting on the future of Product Design, several words come to mind: sustainability, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Entrepreneurship and resilience are especially needed as graduates enter unknown territory and an unpredictable job market. Grads cannot rely on the corporate community providing a secure career start. Instead, graduates must be prepared to be the designers of their own careers, creating new opportunities for themselves that may not have previously existed. The current pandemic, with all of its new challenges, amplifies this need for self-determination, flexibility, and resilience.
In the field of Product Design, I see a growing need for personalization of products, especially in healthcare products, in order to touch people's lives in ways that are unique to them. We have a saying in the Product Design department at Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI): "Design is about changing lives for the better - Product Design is how we reach every life." So, I guess the biggest trend I see is the need for students and graduates to not be afraid to lead right away, first in their own career start and second in the meaningful use of their skills.
What Facility Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chris Chapin: I would recommend they take this time to learn and practice new digital tools of the Product Design field. The expectation, once they enter the profession, is that they will already be up to speed on the tools. I advise students to research their target employers and become familiar with the ways in which they work. This pandemic period is a great opportunity for students and graduates to round out their skills, knowledge, and professional perspective via online-course offerings. There is also no guarantee that a job will be waiting for them. In which case, it is best if they are prepared to create their own career starts with a spirit of persistence and entrepreneurship.
What general advice would you give to a Facility Designer?
Chris Chapin: My advice to all students and graduates is to be entrepreneurial. I define entrepreneurship as a skill set that helps us bring great design solutions to life and into the lives of those who need them. It is part business, part implementation strategy, and can manifest as a new business, as social entrepreneurship, or as intrapreneurship. In either case, it broadens career options for graduates and empowers them with the confidence and skillsets to take control of their careers.
Barbara Anderson
Professor and HeadKansas State University
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Facility Designers?
Barbara Anderson: Graduating design professionals will have personal experiences with how places influence health, specifically transmitting infectious diseases. This will change their awareness and understanding of the role of environments in human health. The less obvious impact is the personal awareness we are all gaining the psychological effects of stress and how well-designed spaces can support mental health and well-being.
What type of skills will young Facility Designers need?
Barbara Anderson: Technology in buildings and using technology to design buildings and communicate with teams and clients will be more critical than ever.
What experience really stands out on Facility Designer resumes?
Barbara Anderson: The experiences individuals can describe on a resume are meaningful, but soft skills are most impressive in a new hire. My top two soft skills areas are communication (listening, speaking, writing, digital and analog visualization) and being productive in a team (cooperation, constructive conflict, continual personal improvement, taking responsibility, anticipating others' needs).
Barbara Anderson
Professor and HeadKansas State University
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies
How do you envision technology impacting Facility Designers in the next 5 years?
Barbara Anderson: The integration of technology in buildings and the use of technology to design and communication design to clients and users will continue to accelerate in the next five years. I expect the technology integrated into buildings to focus on communications, health and well-being, and Net Zero and water efficiency with the goal of resilience/sustainability.
Alan Garfield
Chair and Professor of Digital Art and Design, Director, Bisignano Art GalleryUniversity of Dubuque
Digital Art and Design Faculty
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Facility Designers?
Alan Garfield: Yes, I believe there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates, but it will diminish over time. Immediately, I think our graduates will proceed more carefully in their job searches after graduation. Will they work from home? From a central workplace? (These are questions that might have entered into the interview stage will be more pertinent given students' recent experiences.) They have learned to listen more keenly via their online discussions and projects, which will be a positive effect as they move into working with clients.
What type of skills will young Facility Designers need?
Alan Garfield: Technology and creativity have always been important for graduates, but in 2020 this has become even more pressing. Creative solutions to problems involve creative use of technology but not a reliance on technology. Graduates have recently learned this thru frustration via university-level coursework during this pandemic time. Second, communication, always critical, takes on an added focus because of the technology's strengths/weaknesses. Excellent listening skills can be demonstrated easily. When an employer talks about a position, there are many ways to acknowledge what is heard. There are also ways to show that one hasn't listened to what was said. Third, demonstrating networking skills - connecting with others who do similar work - will assure the completion of tasks. Solutions via teamwork should now be a significant push by graduates.
What experience really stands out on Facility Designer resumes?
Alan Garfield: Besides soft skills, which I don't think can be 'proven' on a resume, I believe that experiences that demonstrate what a candidate has done either in class or outside of the course are significant. An employer will not find a candidate who has done precisely what needs to be done in all likelihood. If there are examples - deliverables - which are somewhat close to those in the position and demonstrate timing, communication, and excellence in production, then the employer takes less of a risk. Also, merely throwing out names of software is worse than useless. It is sloppy. I believe your resume should list software/hardware (name and company) and a simple, humble measure of the applicant's level of experience in that software. Please include Oss as well.