The Product Designer Salary Guide [2023]

Product design is an exciting and dynamic field that plays a crucial role in bringing innovative digital products to life. If you’re interested in growing a career in product design, one of the most important things to consider is how much you can expect to earn. Understanding product design salaries can help you make informed decisions about your career path and negotiate fair compensation for your skills and experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of product design salaries, including average salaries for different types of roles on the product team, where to find new job opportunities, and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Product Designer Average Salary

Product design is a highly skilled and specialized profession that demands a competitive salary. According to data released by Indeed in March 2023, the average salary for a product designer in the United States is $115,986 per year.

In 2023, the average product designer salary in the United States is $115,986 per year.

However, this number can vary depending on several factors, including location, industry, and experience. Averages should be used as a guide rather than a definitive measure of product design salaries.

• Location: Product designers working in major tech hubs such as San Francisco, New York, or Seattle, tend to earn higher salaries due to the high cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. On the other hand, product designers working in smaller cities or for smaller companies may earn less than the national average.
• Industry: Industry can also play a significant role in determining product design salaries. For example, product designers working in the tech industry may earn more than those working in consumer goods or manufacturing.
• Experience: Experience is another key factor that can affect product design salaries. Entry-level product designers with less than three years of experience may earn around $70,000 per year, while senior product designers with more years of experience under their belt can earn upwards of $190,000 per year.

Entry-Level Product Designer Salary

Entry-level product designers typically earn a lower salary than their more experienced counterparts, but there are still plenty of opportunities to grow and advance in the field. According to Indeed’s 2023 industry data, the base salary for a Junior Product Designer position in the United States is around $77,000 per year, although this can vary depending on factors like location and industry.

The average salary for an entry-level product designer in the United States is $77,000.

Senior Product Designer Salary

At the senior level, product designers are responsible for leading projects, managing teams, and making strategic decisions about product design. They have extensive experience and knowledge of the field, and can command higher salaries as a result. According to Indeed’s 2023 industry data, senior product designers in the United States earn the highest salary with an average of $143,000 per year. However, factors like location and industry can see higher senior designer salaries upwards of $190,000 per year.

Additionally, many senior product designers may have additional benefits such as equity, bonuses, or profit-sharing as part of their compensation packages.

The average salary for a senior-level product designer in the United States is $143,000.

Product Design Team: Roles & Salaries

Product design is a vast and constantly evolving field, with various roles and specializations that cater to different aspects of the design process. Below are some common product design roles and their corresponding salaries based on Indeed’s 2023 industry data.

• Lead / Principal Designers: Principal designers are seasoned professionals who oversee the design process and provide guidance to junior designers. The average salary for a lead or principal designer is around $104,000.
• UX Designers: User experience (UX) designers are responsible for creating designs that provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for the user. The average salary for a UX designer is around $95,000.
• User Researchers: User researchers focus on product usability, conducting qualitative and quantitative user research to gather data on user needs and behaviors. The average salary for a user experience researcher is around $109,000.
• Visual / UI Designers: User interface designers (UI) and visual designers focus on the visual design and aesthetics of a product. The average salary for a UI designer in the US is around $89,000.
• Product Managers: Product managers are responsible for overseeing the entire product development process, from ideation to launch. They work closely with the design team to ensure that the product aligns with the company’s vision and goals. The average salary for a product manager is around $107,000.

It’s important to note that salaries may vary depending on factors such as location, company size, and level of experience. However, the above figures can serve as a general guideline for product designer roles and salaries.

How to become a highly-paid product designer

As a product designer, there are several steps you can take to boost your earning potential and command higher salaries:

• Develop a strong product design portfolio that showcases your skills and demonstrates your ability to solve complex design challenges.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies by attending conferences, taking online design courses, and reading industry publications.
• Network with other designers, mentors, recruiters, and industry professionals to learn about job openings and gain insights into the hiring process.
• Consider pursuing advanced degrees or product design certifications to demonstrate your expertise and increase your earning potential.
• Research the highest-paying industries and companies in your area of expertise and tailor your job search accordingly.
• Negotiate your salary and benefits package during the hiring process and be prepared to discuss your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the company.

Where to find product designer jobs

If you’re looking for a product design job, there are many online resources and networking opportunities available to you. Some of the best places to find product design jobs include:

• Online job boards & websites: Sites like Dribbble, LinkedIn, and Indeed are great places to search for design jobs. You can filter by job title, location, salary range, and other factors to find jobs that match your skills and experience.
• Professional associations: Joining a professional association for product designers, such as AIGA or UXPA, can provide valuable networking opportunities and job leads. Many associations also offer job boards or career centers for members.
• Through online courses & bootcamp programs: Many online programs have established partnerships with companies and provide job placement assistance to their graduates. Some popular online design courses and bootcamps for product design include Dribbble’s Career-Prep Program, Designlab, and CareerFoundry.

FAQ

Get answers to some of your most frequently asked product designer salary questions.

What is the base salary of a product designer?

Base salaries for product designers vary depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level salaries typically start around $70,000 per year, while senior-level salaries can reach up to $190,000 or more.

How much does a product designer make in San Francisco?

Salaries for product designers in San Francisco are among the highest in the US, with an average total compensation of around $141,000 annually. Entry-level salaries for product designers in San Francisco typically start around $90,000 per year, while senior-level salaries can reach up to $215,000 or more. (Source)

How much does a product designer make in New York City?

The average salary for a product designer in New York City is around $137,000 per year, according to data from Indeed as of March 2023. However, actual salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as company size, specific job responsibilities, and the individual’s skills and negotiation abilities.

How can I negotiate my product design salary?

Research the market rates for your job title and location, and be prepared to discuss your product designer skills, experience, and accomplishments during salary negotiations. Consider asking for additional benefits, such as equity or bonuses, if salary negotiations aren’t possible.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to earn more as a product designer?

Having a bachelor’s degree is not always a requirement for a career in product design. Some successful product designers are self-taught, learning through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

Ultimately, the most important factor in earning more as a product designer is the quality of your work and the value you bring to the table. If you can demonstrate your skills and expertise through a strong portfolio and track record of successful projects, you may be able to command a higher salary even without a degree.

Boost your earning potential with product design

Boost your earning potential with product design by taking advantage of the many opportunities and resources available to you. Start by researching job descriptions and identifying the highest-paying industries and companies. Connect with recruiters and industry professionals to learn about job openings and gain valuable insights into the hiring process. Consider honing your skills and expanding your knowledge through an online product design course, conferences, and networking events.

By investing in yourself and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, you can position yourself as a top product designer and unlock a world of exciting career opportunities.