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Job outlook for principal designers in the United States
Principal designer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected principal designer job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 6,800 new jobs for principal designers are projected over the next decade.
Principal designer salaries have increased 12% for principal designers in the last 5 years.
There are over 13,081 principal designers currently employed in the United States.
There are 84,683 active principal designer job openings in the US.
The average principal designer salary is $123,528.
Are principal designer jobs in demand?
Principal designer job and salary trends over time
Principal designer jobs over time
Principal designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13,081 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 12,987 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 13,936 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,061 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 13,966 | 0.00% |
Average principal designer salary over time
Principal designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $123,528 | $59.39 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $120,589 | $57.98 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $116,563 | $56.04 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $112,698 | $54.18 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $110,245 | $53.00 | +1.6% |
Principal designer jobs by state
Most common states for principal designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 218 | 31% |
| 2 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 928 | 22% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,690 | 20% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 269 | 20% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 981 | 18% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 177 | 17% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 845 | 15% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,676 | 13% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 794 | 13% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 251 | 13% |
| 11 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,289 | 12% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,590 | 12% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,231 | 12% |
| 14 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 211 | 12% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 799 | 11% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 620 | 11% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 406 | 11% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 310 | 11% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 226 | 11% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 107 | 11% |
Most common cities for principal designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 5 | 20% | $131,571 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 4 | 14% | $85,845 |
| 3 | Dover | 4 | 11% | $96,603 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 4 | 10% | $103,205 |
| 5 | Hartford | 4 | 3% | $108,834 |
| 6 | Lansing | 4 | 3% | $102,935 |
| 7 | Springfield | 4 | 3% | $124,685 |
| 8 | Baton Rouge | 4 | 2% | $88,022 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 4 | 2% | $89,590 |
| 10 | Little Rock | 4 | 2% | $94,052 |
| 11 | Montgomery | 4 | 2% | $76,714 |
| 12 | Tallahassee | 4 | 2% | $86,091 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $84,424 |
| 14 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $131,709 |
| 15 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $127,890 |
| 16 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $166,996 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $86,518 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $120,297 |
Principal Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of principal designer experts
Boise State University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Arkansas State University
The Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg
Louisiana Tech University
San Francisco State University
Louisiana Tech University
New York Institute of Technology
Ferris State University
Kansas State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of North Texas
Highline College
Marywood University
Texas State University
Bowling Green State University
Belmont University
Eastern Illinois University
What will help Principal 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 Principal Designer 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.
What will help Principal Designers increase their earning potential?
Cameron John M.F.A.: People spend 90% of their time inside. Interior Architecture and Design is a growing profession as more and more people take interest in the design of their spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this impact as people were forced to occupy their spaces and physically recognize how their space impacts their health - both mentally and physically. Additionally, current economic pressures have made it more appealing for companies to renovate their current space rather than build an entirely new structure.
What general advice would you give to a Principal 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 Principal Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikki Arnell MFA: Job flexibility is a key reason why Graphic Design is a good profession to enter now. A graphic designer can have various job titles and work in different settings, providing opportunities for freelance work or full-time positions. Having a strong portfolio is more important than a job title for future job prospects.
Eric Benson
Associate Professor and Chair of Graphic Design and Design for Responsible InnovationThe Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg
Graphic Communications
What will help Principal Designers increase their earning potential?
Eric Benson: As I'm answering this now, I'd have to acknowledge that AI tools will become more prevalent in graphic design. We should explore them in order to take ownership of them, so we don't lose our relevancy. In addition, sustainability within the field will continue to grow and be increasingly more important to have a knowledgebase in.
Tom Futrell
Associate ProfessorLouisiana Tech University
Design And Applied Arts
What will help Principal Designers increase their earning potential?
Tom Futrell: Building a killer portfolio is the baseline for students entering the design field. However, to boost earning potential, designers must go beyond the basics and set themselves apart from their competition. This may involve showcasing additional interests and skills, emphasizing design systems thinking, or excelling in presentation abilities. Successful designers won't settle for mastering software alone or consider themselves artists - they will be dedicated problem solvers and visual communicators, capable of connecting diverse ideas with diverse audiences.
What will help Principal Designers increase their earning potential?
Saskia Van Kampen: This question is impossible for me to answer as what one likes or dislikes about graphic design will be very individual.
What general advice would you give to a Principal Designer?
Jake Dugard: 1. Stay curious. Just because you are "finished" with school does not mean you get to stop learning. The design field has been one of evolution. The designer of today is not the same as it was 20 years ago. And it won't be the same in 5 years.
2. One thing that won't change is people. People do not want to work with someone who is difficult, entitled, and is a know-it-all. Be willing to go beyond the job description and be kind. Simple.
What will help Principal Designers increase their earning potential?
Jake Dugard: 1. Have an amazing portfolio - I think this goes without saying. You need to have solid work.
2. Intern somewhere - This creates connections with professionals, gives you working experience, and hopefully work to go into your portfolio. It also has the potential to turn into a job offer.
What Principal Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Hosenfeld: Technical skills and life-long learning are critical to job safety and advancement. Visual design and functionality of the product are equally important. But salaries in technology-driven environments are higher in the average. 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 a Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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.
Vibhavari Jani
Associate ProfessorKansas State University
Interior Architecture and Industrial Design
What hard/technical skills are most important for Principal Designers?
Vibhavari Jani: Ability to master various software: Revit, Rhyno, Sketchup, 3D rendering software (Enscape and Lunion), BIM.
Elizabeth Sutton
Department Head, Professor of Art HistoryUniversity of Northern Iowa
Department of Art
What soft skills should all Principal Designers possess?
Elizabeth Sutton: There are many--the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively is absolutely necessary. The ability to ask for feedback and be able to take that feedback and incorporate it into a process is very important. Of course, meeting deadlines is also very important.
Bill Morgan
Coordinator, Undergraduate Program — Interior Design, Lecturer, Interior DesignUniversity of North Texas
Department of Design
What hard/technical skills are most important for Principal Designers?
Bill Morgan: -Drawing Proficiency (drawing of all types, includes 3D visualization)
-Technical Proficiency (detailing)
-Project Management
What soft skills should all Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 soft skills should all Principal Designers possess?
Holly Sterling: - Strong communication and problem-solving skills - not only in your design work but in your day-to-day job.
- Being able to work collaboratively and be a responsible team member (i.e., productive, organized, respond positively to feedback, adaptable).
Jenn Stucker
Associate Professor, Chair of The Graphic Design DivisionBowling Green State University
School of Art
What skills stand out on Principal Designer resumes?
Jenn Stucker: A BFA degree, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design or communication design are distinctive. It is a professional degree in the field. A BFA represents a concentration in growing creative skills through creative coursework. While technical skills earned in a technology or certificate program are valuable for producing design work, strong skills in visual design and creative thinking define how and WHAT work is worthy and necessary for people to experience.
What soft skills should all Principal Designers possess?
Jenn Stucker: A good designer's soft skills include empathy, critical thinking, context, collaboration, leadership, networking, and the ability to present and articulate ideas.
Doug Regen
Professor of PracticeBelmont University
Graphic Design Department
What skills will help Principal 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 skills will help Principal Designers earn the most?
Samantha Osborne: An ability to effectively communicate, navigate creative resources, network, empathize with others, and come up with innovative creative solutions. That said, your work still needs to be stellar and consistently great if you're going to be a big earner.
What skills stand out on Principal Designer resumes?
Samantha Osborne: Soft skills are equally important to hard skills. Graphic designers are visual communicators. Visual communication is a universal learned skill, vs. a linguistic capability. This means that graphic designers must learn to recognize and effectively utilize mood and tone in their own visual compositions in regard to color theory and psychology, gestalt principles, and font or lettering design. Essentially a well-skilled graphic designer becomes part psychologist in working through design problems and deciphering client direction, part problem-solver in developing an effective solution to the design problem, and part artist in bringing astonishing and original visual communication and graphics to reach a solution.
What soft skills should all Principal 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.