Opinion: Is the UX Job Market on a Natural Decline?

The UX job market is in a bit of a rough patch.

I can't remember when it wasn't in a bit of a rough patch, but times have been rosier.

Why does it always seem like UX is one of those roles that gets culled first when the tough gets going?

I'm not the only one that's noticed this, my colleagues have too.

I even recently spoke with a VP of Design who’s been in the game for over 16 years.

She told me so many designers are facing the toughest job search of their careers.

Why?

With high competition and job offers that are genuinely offensive, it’s clear that the market is feeling the strain.

But is this a natural decline or a temporary dip?

1. Layoffs Aplenty

Since mid-2022, the tech sector has seen massive layoffs, flooding the job market with experienced UX professionals.

It seemed like every other day FAANG orgs were dropping people left, right and centre.

This obviously hasn't just affected UXers, but as I said earlier, UX always seems to be at the business end of layoffs.

Despite the number of job openings, the sheer volume of candidates has made it harder to secure interviews and offers. Experienced designers are finding the hiring process longer and more competitive than ever.

2. Simple Economics

Broader economic conditions are also at play.

Is there a recession looming? It's difficult to say, but even a whiff of recession can cause businesses to tighten their purse strings.

Companies are more cautious about hiring and may continue to reduce their workforce rather than expand.

This economic uncertainty adds another layer of difficulty for job seekers in the UX field.

Especially the UX field, actually.

3. The Perceived Value of UX

It’s not just about the number of UX roles available; it’s about their quality.

Have you always felt like UX is a luxury for some companies? Well, that's not going to change any time soon.

There's blood in the water, and companies know it.

They don't understand it, you are and always will be the graphics guy. The constant fight uphill of the design community to be perceived more than that just proves that. - wifinotworking

Many current job listings are less appealing, often offering lower salaries or part-time hours.

This disconnect means that despite the apparent job openings, many experienced designers find the roles unsatisfactory.

4. Diverse Opinions on Future Prospects

The long-term outlook for the UX field is more optimistic.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (US) forecasts a 16% increase in employment for web developers and digital designers from 2022 to 2032.

But this doesn’t mean job seekers will find relief right away. Predictions for 2024 point to a slow recovery, and the market might still have some rough patches ahead.

5. Market Saturation and Bootcamp Graduates

Gosh, remember when every other day you were being sold a BootCamp course to become a UX designer?

They still exist, but the market now is showing the effects of telling people they can become designers in 12 weeks.

Spoiler alert: You can't.

The influx of boot camp graduates has intensified market saturation. Many of these new designers are competing for entry-level roles, often accepting lower-paying jobs just to get a foot in the door.

This influx makes it even harder for experienced designers to stand out.

Still want to be a UX Designer in 2024 and beyond?

If after reading that, you still want to be a designer, then maybe you do have what it takes after all.

But you will struggle, and struggle some more. Interview after interview, rejection after rejection.

Until... jackpot. You've made it.

While some manage to land decent positions, others may struggle.

If you’re entering UX for passion rather than just a paycheck, your journey might be more fulfilling despite the hurdles.

So is the UX market on a natural decline?

Right now, sentiment would suggest the cyclical nature of the job market is trending upwards again.

Hiring mangers will have more roles to fill, recruiters will undoubtedly be reaching out if you're available.

That doesn't mean things will get easier though. There's a lot of designers out there just as hungry as you are.

Courage and persistence can turn challenges into opportunities. Show them what you got.