Product Design Jobs: Entry-Level, Freelance, Remote & Leadership Roles
The world of product design is expanding rapidly, with new opportunities cropping up for individuals at all skill levels.
From beginners to experienced professionals, there is a broad spectrum of roles available, including remote, freelance, and leadership positions.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different types of product design jobs for beginners, including their responsibilities, required skills, and salary expectations.
Whether you’re just entering the field or are looking to climb the ranks, there’s a product design job that suits your expertise and career ambitions.
Types of Product Design Jobs
1. Entry-Level Product Design Jobs
Entry-level product design jobs are perfect for those just starting out. These roles typically focus on learning and applying basic design principles, collaborating with senior designers, and gaining hands-on experience. Most entry-level positions require a foundation in design software such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma, along with a portfolio showcasing relevant projects.
Typical roles include:
- Junior Product Designer: Working under the guidance of senior designers to help conceptualize and execute product designs.
- Product Design Intern: A temporary position where you can learn the ropes of product design and develop your skills in a real-world setting.
Skills Needed:
- Strong understanding of user-centered design (UCD)
- Basic knowledge of design software and prototyping tools
- Good communication and collaboration skills
Salary Expectation: The average salary for entry-level product design jobs ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on location and industry.
2. Freelance Product Design Jobs
Freelance product design jobs provide flexibility for designers who prefer to work independently or handle multiple projects. As a freelance product designer, you can take on contracts with companies, work with startups, or create your own client base. Freelancers often have the freedom to work remotely, set their own schedules, and determine their rates.
Common freelance roles:
- Freelance Product Designer: Engaging in short-term or long-term contracts to design products for different clients.
- Remote Freelance Product Designer: Offering your services to clients from anywhere in the world, often for startups or companies that prioritize remote collaboration.
Skills Needed:
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Expertise in design software
- Strong communication skills to manage client relationships
Freelance Salary Expectation: Freelance product designers typically earn between $30 to $150 per hour, depending on experience and complexity of the project.
3. Remote Product Design Jobs
With the rise of remote work, remote product design jobs have become more popular than ever. These roles allow designers to work from anywhere in the world, provided they have a solid internet connection. Remote product designers work with cross-functional teams, collaborate using online tools, and participate in virtual meetings.
Common remote roles:
- Remote Product Designer: Designing products while collaborating remotely with engineers, marketers, and other teams.
- Part-Time Remote Product Designer: A flexible, part-time role that allows designers to balance other commitments while still contributing to product development.
Skills Needed:
- High adaptability to remote communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Trello
- Self-discipline and accountability in meeting deadlines
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Salary Expectation: Remote product design jobs offer competitive salaries, ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
4. Director of Product Design Jobs
For those with significant experience in the field, leadership roles like the Director of Product Design offer an opportunity to oversee the entire design process. Directors typically manage teams, establish design strategies, and ensure that the product design aligns with business goals.
Typical roles include:
- Director of Product Design: Responsible for leading design teams, developing design systems, and working closely with executive leadership.
- Head of Product Design: A similar role focused on leadership but may also involve hands-on design work.
Skills Needed:
- Extensive experience in product design and design leadership
- Ability to manage and mentor a team of designers
- Strong understanding of design trends, business strategy, and user experience
Salary Expectation: Directors and heads of product design earn between $130,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on company size and location.
5. Specialized Product Design Jobs
Product design isn’t a one-size-fits-all role—there are several specialized areas where designers can focus their expertise, including healthcare and industrial design. These specialized fields require a unique set of skills and industry knowledge.
Common specialized roles include:
- Healthcare Product Designer: Designing medical devices, health apps, or tools that improve patient care and medical experiences.
- Industrial Product Designer: Creating physical products such as consumer goods, machinery, or tools with a focus on usability, aesthetics, and functionality.
Skills Needed:
- In-depth knowledge of the specialized industry (e.g., healthcare or manufacturing)
- Ability to collaborate with industry experts like engineers or healthcare professionals
- Knowledge of regulatory standards for the respective field
Salary Expectation: Healthcare and industrial product designers can expect to earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on the complexity of the products being designed.
Key Responsibilities of a Product Designer
Regardless of the specific role or industry, most product designers share a set of core responsibilities:
- Research & Ideation: Conducting market research and brainstorming ideas to create innovative product designs.
- Prototyping: Building mockups and prototypes to test concepts and usability before final production.
- Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, marketers, and other team members to ensure the product aligns with company objectives.
- User Testing: Ensuring that the design meets user needs and solves real-world problems through usability testing and feedback.
Product Design Job Descriptions
Each product design job comes with its own unique responsibilities, but most will include tasks such as:
- Researching: Understanding user needs, industry trends, and market competition.
- Sketching and Prototyping: Creating initial sketches or digital prototypes to visualize the product.
- Iterating on Designs: Revising and refining designs based on feedback from users or team members.
- Collaborating Across Teams: Working with engineers, developers, and other designers to bring a product to life.
Product Design Salaries
Salaries for product design jobs can vary greatly depending on the role, industry, and location. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect across different positions:
- Entry-Level Product Design Jobs: $50,000 to $70,000 annually
- Freelance Product Design Jobs: $30 to $150 per hour, depending on expertise
- Remote Product Design Jobs: $60,000 to $120,000 annually
- Director of Product Design Jobs: $130,000 to $200,000 annually
- Specialized Roles (Healthcare/Industrial): $70,000 to $110,000 annually
Final Thoughts
The product design field offers a wide array of career opportunities, from entry-level positions to high-level leadership roles, as well as flexible freelance and remote options.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, there’s a role for you in this dynamic and growing industry.
By understanding the responsibilities, required skills, and potential salary ranges for each type of job, you can make informed decisions as you navigate your career path in product design.
Now is the perfect time to dive into this exciting field, build your portfolio, and explore the numerous job opportunities available.
Whether you’re a junior designer looking for an entry-level role or a seasoned professional eyeing a leadership position, the world of product design awaits!
