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Job outlook for interactive designers in the United States
Interactive designer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected interactive designer job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 6,800 new jobs for interactive designers are projected over the next decade.
Interactive designer salaries have increased 12% for interactive designers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,681 interactive designers currently employed in the United States.
There are 48,136 active interactive designer job openings in the US.
The average interactive designer salary is $97,929.
Are interactive designer jobs in demand?
Interactive designer job and salary trends over time
Interactive designer jobs over time
Interactive designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,681 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,557 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 10,245 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,128 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,083 | 0.00% |
Average interactive designer salary over time
Interactive designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $97,929 | $47.08 | +2.4% |
| 2025 | $95,599 | $45.96 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $92,407 | $44.43 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $89,343 | $42.95 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $87,399 | $42.02 | +1.6% |
Interactive designer jobs by state
Most common states for interactive designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 244 | 35% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 980 | 13% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 825 | 12% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 502 | 12% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 143 | 11% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 857 | 10% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 105 | 10% |
| 8 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,678 | 9% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 285 | 9% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 868 | 8% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 468 | 8% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 464 | 8% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 73 | 8% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 52 | 8% |
| 15 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,468 | 7% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 850 | 7% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 674 | 7% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 405 | 7% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 207 | 7% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 90 | 7% |
Most common cities for interactive designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mountain View | 4 | 5% | $121,531 |
| 2 | Cupertino | 2 | 3% | $121,440 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $89,577 |
| 4 | Palo Alto | 1 | 1% | $121,616 |
| 5 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $121,890 |
| 6 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $104,617 |
| 7 | New York | 1 | 0% | $84,586 |
| 8 | Seattle | 1 | 0% | $111,302 |
Interactive Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of interactive designer experts
Boise State University
Merrimack College
New York Institute of Technology
Ferris State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Highline College
Marywood University
Texas State University
Bowling Green State University
Belmont University
Eastern Illinois University
Flagler College
Arizona State University
Mississippi College
Angelina College
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
What general advice would you give to an Interactive Designer?
Kristin Snopkowski: Within a degree in Anthropology, there are a wide variety of career opportunities. This can be both a benefit and a challenge - it allows you to pursue many different careers and if you find you don't like one particular job, there are a lot of other areas of employment that you would be qualified for, but at the same time, it makes it harder to decide which employment opportunities to pursue. Further, the onus is on you to explain how your anthropology degree prepares you for a particular job, given that many people do not know or understand the skills gained with a degree in anthropology.
What Interactive Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristin Snopkowski: We know that the world is becoming more data driven, so developing skills in quantitative and qualitative methods will likely give you an advantage when it comes to applying for jobs. Anthropologists have always been good at qualitative methodologies and combining it with quantitative methods makes you a particularly attractive applicant. The recent AI revolution also means that key skills like critical thinking, oral and written communication, and teamwork are going to be some of the most important skills that cannot be replaced by an AI bot.
What will help Interactive Designers increase their earning potential?
Kristin Snopkowski: There are some areas of anthropology that have better monetary compensation than others. The field of User Experience is a particularly high paying area for anthropology majors, which utilizes qualitative methods to help companies develop products and services that better respond to human needs. Within archaeology, many students opt to pursue a master's degree to maximize their compensation and gain advancement opportunities.
What general advice would you give to an Interactive Designer?
Jason Bronner: After developing strong design skills, it is important to focus on developing public speaking and listening skills for working with clients and colleagues. Making connections with clients, through effective listening and speaking skills, will improve salary potential. Working directly with clients, presenting to and teaching them about good design is crucial for maximizing salary potential.
What will help Interactive Designers increase their earning potential?
Nancy Wynn: There are many different ways to intersect the creative field of graphic design or Design. You can enter utilizing production skills centered on working with an Art Director-you produce their designs with various handwork and software platforms. If you enter as a junior graphic designer-you collaborate with an Art Director and brainstorm concepts / designs for projects. You may intersect working in the service industry where you help customers produce their designs. Day-to-day tasks can be specific if you work at a very large company, or more comprehensive if you work at a smaller agency. They can range from meetings with Art Directors or marketing people; collaboration with fellow designers or other team members based on the project components; brainstorming, research, and ideation for projects; learning new technology by producing designs and client presentations; meetings with focus groups or testing of projects; and finally debrief sessions on projects results.
What will help Interactive Designers increase their earning potential?
Michael Hosenfeld: The ability to actually execute an idea to become a successful product including various digital media formats is highly valued. Design is as much inspired by technology, as it depends on it.
What are the best companies to work for an Interactive 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 Interactive 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 Interactive 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.
Elizabeth Sutton
Department Head, Professor of Art HistoryUniversity of Northern Iowa
Department of Art
What skills stand out on Interactive Designer resumes?
Elizabeth Sutton: What really stands out is the quality of the student's portfolios and that they have client-based real-world experience.
Dr. Andy Curran
Professor, Area CoordinatorUniversity of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Digital Media Communications
What soft skills should all Interactive Designers 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 Interactive Designers?
Dr. Andy Curran: -File management
-Computer literacy skills
-Software proficiency
Mary Miller
InstructorOklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Graphic Design Faculty
What skills stand out on Interactive Designer resumes?
Mary Miller: Employers generally want to hire graphic designers who show conceptual, problem-solving ability and have solid skills in the basics: design, typography, use of color...but candidates who have motion graphics and video editing, photography/videography, and illustration skill will rise to the top of the list. It's expected that a designer will know multiple Adobe Creative Cloud programs like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, but they must also know After Effects, Premiere, XD, and Acrobat Pro, among others. Designers who can design for 3D objects like packaging and environmental graphics bring extra skill to the table as well.
What skills will help Interactive Designers earn the most?
Diana Boyd: -Originality/Creativity
-UX/UI design
-Branding
-Marketing and Advertising
-Illustration
What skills stand out on Interactive Designer resumes?
Diana Boyd: -Originality/Creativity
-Illustration (digital and hand-drawn)
-Branding
-UX/UI design
-Marketing/Advertising
What soft skills should all Interactive 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 Interactive 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 Interactive 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 Interactive 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.
Holly Sterling
Associate Professor of Communication Design, Internship CoordinatorTexas State University
School of Art and Design
What skills will help Interactive Designers earn the most?
Holly Sterling: - If you're talking about hard skills, there's a run on "all things UX," and there are more positions to fill than designers to fill them. Also, strong visual designers who can do also do some illustration and motion graphics are in high demand.
- If you're talking soft skills, hiring managers frequently tell me that "who" the designer is every bit as important as what they can do, so be a good human that people will want to work with. This will serve you well throughout your entire career.
Jenn Stucker
Associate Professor, Chair of The Graphic Design DivisionBowling Green State University
School of Art
What hard/technical skills are most important for Interactive Designers?
Jenn Stucker: Technical skills in the Adobe Creative Cloud are necessary as it is the industry standard. Additionally, good designers should know the basics of HTML and CSS and work in digital collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Miro, and Figma.
What skills will help Interactive Designers earn the most?
Jenn Stucker: Along with good visual design skills, creative thinking, problem-solving, and strategy will set a designer apart from others. These kinds of designers can understand the big picture of design in relation to context, culture, and meaning.
Doug Regen
Professor of PracticeBelmont University
Graphic Design Department
What skills stand out on Interactive 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 soft skills should all Interactive Designers possess?
Doug Regen: Team player. Enthusiasm. Hark worker...willing to put in the time. Strong communicator. Openminded.
What skills will help Interactive Designers earn the most?
Doug Regen: Brilliant Ideas are executed flawlessly. Team player. Ability to motivate and lead others. Strong communicator and presentation skills.
Samantha Osborne
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Owner, Samantha Osborne DesignEastern Illinois University
Art + Design
What soft skills should all Interactive Designers possess?
Samantha Osborne: Three soft skills stand out most: an ability to see the big picture, an ability to "read" people, and an ability to make a convincing argument for your design solution(s).
i. An ability to see big picture: there are an infinite number of details in graphic design, whether you work in website design on the front or back end, or in print media with physical outputs. It's easy to get caught up on the details, especially when clients are making specific demands about things such as paper type. A skilled designer must be able to see beyond the details and look at the big picture for an effective design solution. For example, a client may be asking for an invitation design for an up-coming event. A skilled designer will ask questions and dig in, eventually uncovering that perhaps for a successful event, the client also needs a splash page and social media, either in place of or in addition to an invitation. A skilled designer addresses design problems holistically, rather than minutely.
ii. An ability to "read" people: designers are trained in art-specific vocabulary. Hue, saturation, pixels, gestalt...most non-art folks don't use or speak that language. When clients are describing their goals, they aren't using art-vocabulary. It's a designer's job to translate what the client is saying into an advanced and effective creative solution. They must be able to speak and understand the language of non-creative folks, as well as the language of the broader creative industry.
iii. An ability to make a convincing argument for your design solution(s): many young and inexperienced designer tend to get their hearts broken when a client smashes one of their [very well thought-out] ideas. Rather than rolling over, a designer must learn to navigate how best to build support for their idea(s). That might mean in some instances you work more fluidly with the client throughout the design process, so that they feel they have ownership in the development of the solution. In other instances it might mean that the designer is presenting options, rather than a single solution, so that the client feels empowered to make choices throughout the design process. And in some instances, it might be a matter of better explaining and presenting your idea to a client; perhaps the designer needs to push back more, perhaps they need to provide more research as to why their solution is best, or maybe they simply need to present it with more excitement and enthusiasm.
Diana Lodi
Assistant Professor of Graphic DesignFlagler College
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Interactive Designer job market given the pandemic?
Diana Lodi: There will be a continued trend of remote interactions for both the interviewing process and meetings as the video/webinar formats provide face-to-face interactions without the need to travel. Some companies may be more willing to offer flex-schedules or full-remote options as well.
How have salaries changed over time for Interactive Designers?
Diana Lodi: Salaries have progressed at a steady state. There has always been an emphasis on finding Graphic Designers who are also well-versed in web design, app development, and UX design. Possessing knowledge in AI and VR technologies could also impact pay scales in the future.
Prescott Perez-Fox
Lecturer - Graphic Information TechnologyArizona State University
The Polytechnic School
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Interactive Designers?
Prescott Perez-Fox: Mostly N/A. While most employers still list "bachelor's required" for most design/media roles, even this is changing and you're seeing a new open-minded generation taking leadership roles. The only thing new grads _need_ is a portfolio that tells the story of their skills, experience, interests.
What will help Interactive Designers increase their earning potential?
Benjamin Ivey: Students make it a point to prioritize authentic concept maps within the core curriculum. As information grows, so does their earning potential. Blood alone moves the wheels of history. Most graduating designers will know that the best path forward would be to give a clear channel towards job finding bases.
Reginald Reynolds
ProfessorAngelina College
Design & Applied Arts/Graphic Arts/Film Production
What's a good job out of college for Interactive Designers?
Reginald Reynolds: So "What is a good job out of college?" Any job that will challenge your ability to solve design problems and pay your rent is a good job.
But most of all, communication, writing skills and the ability to interact with various personality types on projects with clients effectively can put a talented designer on the short list when job hunting.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Interactive Designers?
John Cinco: The essential requirements are still there-a great portfolio, well-written cover letter, follow-up, and thank yous for the interviewer's time and consideration of the applicant's credentials. An online portfolio appropriate to the employer's brand should be carefully considered.
What soft skills should all Interactive Designers possess?
John Cinco: Skills in software and design should also be tailored to the capabilities needed by the prospective employer. A capacity for reading into a client's unstated needs and generating innovative and well-thought-out solutions can bode well for an aspiring designer.
What general advice would you give to an Interactive 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 Interactive 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 Interactive 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.