As an entry-level UX designer, you’ll be applying technical skills in prototyping and wireframing to develop user-friendly products and services. Gain the right skills to get started in this career path.
User experience (UX) designers are responsible for the look and feel of a product, usually a website, app, or other digital tool. They collaborate with product managers, UX researchers, and engineers to design a functional, user-friendly experience and increase user satisfaction.
As an entry-level UX designer, you’ll be expected to know the basics of the design process and apply your skills toward mapping user flows, designing wireframes and prototypes, conducting usability studies, and managing and meeting with stakeholders.
Entry-level UX designers can expect to make an average base salary of $67,855 with 0-1 years of experience, according to Glassdoor*. That number goes up to $75,327 per year with 1-3 years of experience.
To become a UX designer, you’ll want to gain skills in developing prototypes, wireframes, and user flows (usually with Figma or Adobe), basic UX research, problem solving, and communication with stakeholders. Many entry-level jobs seek a bachelor’s degree as a requirement, so it might be helpful to earn a degree in a related field or a professional certificate. Then, take on UX design projects, create a portfolio, and apply for entry-level jobs and internships.
In short, yes, you do need a portfolio to land your first job in UX design. While it doesn’t need to be fancy, you’ll want to be able to demonstrate that you’ve sought out and contributed to projects with meaningful impact. In your portfolio, make sure to explain that you are an expert in the design thinking process and can improve a product’s usability and aesthetic.
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![[Featured image] A UX designer wearing eyeglasses and a blue shirt draws a wireframe on a whiteboard.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7AgDkI5nXIYPjCMdLQUY4o/ad6c48ec36c6a893172cce029b7001ae/ux-designer.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Employee working from home holding a baby as they types on their laptop](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/58bpNYzagq5zMIrNIGOT2o/9e84a7fef829254665e6cde92b22aa00/GettyImages-571492555.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A team leader points at his computer and talks with his coworkers about using artificial intelligence in UX design.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5TsiNaxki1KoKE2SjwxRXB/964e065b1f60a294b50e901eeb6aacd6/GettyImages-1339030364.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A UX designer is working on their laptop while in an office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4m2C3DRgzLgaVDqygLD4yA/e1e795ad24b294e76504c8c29468b31b/GettyImages-1132115579.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A team of UX designers work on app wireframes at a table in a brightly lit office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5yEuObnuZIx7zGxqaU7yEA/b11214abc2733e2ad630615821332ce6/Organizational_leadership.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] UX designer works at a laptop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6fwcf9G0Hc3c2t9pnKWdwd/b59cdfb4e355c50786a458bef9e30d35/GettyImages-1092232950.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A product designer wears a floral blouse and stands in an open office holding a tablet.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/32tDttnPQMUyzzMj93Nups/8d744f5f78e90400ed044d880405827c/iStock-852930228.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A UX designer sketches on a tablet while drinking a cup of coffee.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5NYrb6Wunw9gBvc2nsD4h0/b319ed0966d7ee9ed8f51355a8c7860b/UX_Designer_salary.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A smiling woman in a black shirt and necklace sits at her laptop and works on her UX portfolio in a brightly lit office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1vchrSQ853YbMXncBSBwkr/48c1aa08827e27f61792e4bfa6077bca/UX_design_portfolio.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A smiling UX designer works on his phone and laptop in a brightly lit startup office](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1nNRSeqkpDoWxTIw6dizv0/63ec7bb6ab6f65be435abece506dd18c/UX_design_skills.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A UX designer in a yellow shirt and glasses sits at her computer, smiling at the camera.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1TZi298ngbFCIBQ0ekRgfg/2d9a283d12cec977ccb83cf0d40ebb66/UI_vs_UX.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Two coworkers wearing black tops work on a user design (UX) project with a laptop in a conference room with a glass wall.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7dJl73aoA7QwbBwsqtIlpM/1f4c3650c83b739cc73c07350fb9f13b/UX_certification.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
