What Designers DoAll designers not listed separately. Workers in this group create products and concepts that have practical or aesthetic purposes. Those with creative and technical skills can pursue a career in design to create graphics, transportation designs, interior and exterior spaces, experiences, packaging, and more. Designers perform a wide range of tasks depending on their specific field and design specialization. However, the fundamental processes of ideation, visual design, and prototyping and testing are central to the work of designers across many fields.
- Brainstorm and conceptualize ideas for projects, which involves understanding the project's goals and objectives, conducting research, and generating creative concepts that address the project's requirements.
- Create the visual elements of a project, such as color schemes, logos, appearance of products, or physical layout of spaces.
- Use various tools and techniques to build prototypes of project designs, such as creating a physical prototype of a new product to demonstrate it's form and function, and then test the prototypes to identify and address issues or improvements needed before full implementation of a design.
Designers Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings2,200 Annually
Median Earnings
$80,300 in California
$66,220 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Being creative or artistic
- Influencing or leading others
- Working with my hands
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Designers Explained
DesignersExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
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What Is the Arts Media & Performance Industry?
Arts Media & PerformanceThe primary activities of this group involve creating, producing, and promoting artistic and cultural works, facilitating entertainment and sports-related activities, and sharing news and information to audiences through various media platforms.