10 Industries Currently Hiring UX Designers

As a UX designer, you have the opportunity to make an impact on the products and experiences that shape our lives.

And, despite news of recent layoffs affecting workers in the tech industry, the demand for skilled UX designers is on the rise—and is projected to increase by about 23% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

From e-commerce to healthcare, banking to travel, there are a wealth of industries that continue to rely on UX designers to craft meaningful, impactful experiences. 

In this blog post, we'll explore 10 of these industries that are currently hiring UX designers, along with some tips to support your career path in this exciting and rapidly growing field.

• Does It Matter What Industry I Work In As A UX Designer?
• A Note On Stability And Growth Within An Industry
• How To Find UX Jobs By Industry
• 10 Industries Hiring UX Designers
• How To Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job in a Specific Industry

Does It Matter What Industry I Work In As A UX Designer? 

No matter what industry you work in, you’ll follow the same UX design process, collaborate with other team members and stakeholders, and work to create experiences that fulfill both business and user needs.

However, the exact projects and user needs do vary by industry, as will the design solutions that you deliver. So if you’re really passionate about contributing to user needs in a certain industry, you might find your work in UX design to be more rewarding when working for a good company in that area.

Keep in mind that the team and company you work for will likely have far more impact on your job satisfaction, salary, and career trajectory than the industry it’s a part of.

A Note On Stability and Growth within an Industry

Within every industry you can find stable, growing companies—as well as ones that, for one reason or another, are making cuts in an effort to stabilize or increase their bottom line.

For example: a number of big tech companies have made headlines recently with sobering layoffs that number in the thousands. 

While these layoffs haven’t affected the overall increase of UX design roles, they do serve as an important reminder: working for a large company with a massive revenue stream doesn’t guarantee longevity in your work there. 

However, some industries by nature are more volatile than others, so do pay attention to industry trends as you research where you’d like to work next in your career.

How To Find UX Jobs By Industry

One of the easiest ways to find UX jobs in a particular industry is to do a quick search on websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter. In the search bar, simply type in the job title that you’re looking for, along with the industry name. 

For example: Ux designer insurance

However, you might find that only a handful of results turn up. In this case, you might want to look through the careers pages on individual company websites, or utilize UX-specific job sites to uncover more open roles.

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10 Industries Hiring UX Designers

Before diving into this list, it's worth noting a couple things:

First: UX design isn't "limited" to the 10 industries on this list. There are many other industries where you can find work as a UX designer. However, it can be helpful to see how your work might change or shift in focus, depending on the company or product that you're working with.

Second: The companies listed in each section were selected to help you picture the variety of companies that exist within any given industry. Open roles come and go—just because we've mentioned a company here does not mean that they're hiring new UX talent at the moment!

1. E-commerce

E-commerce is a multi-billion-dollar global industry that refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of businesses, including online retail shops, marketplaces, and businesses that sell physical or digital products and services directly to consumers through their website or mobile app. 

The growth of the e-commerce industry has been driven by the increasing number of consumers who prefer to shop online, the convenience and accessibility of online shopping, and the availability of new technologies that make it easier for businesses to reach their customers.

Examples of some companies within the e-commerce industry include:

• Amazon
• Etsy
• Shopify
• Printify
• Square

In the e-commerce industry, UX designers aim to create engaging, efficient, and seamless shopping experiences that meet the needs and expectations of customers.

This may include projects like:

• Creating user-friendly and intuitive e-commerce websites that make it easy for customers to find and purchase products.
• Designing mobile apps that provide a seamless and convenient shopping experience for customers on-the-go.
• Designing effective product listing pages that showcase products in an attractive and compelling way.
• Improving the checkout process to minimize friction and increase conversion rates.
• Creating personalized shopping experiences for customers based on their browsing and purchase history.

2. Insurance

The insurance industry is a sector that provides protection against potential financial losses. This industry offers a wide range of insurance products, including life, health, property and casualty, and liability insurance, among others. Insurance companies operate by collecting premiums from policyholders and investing those funds to generate income. In exchange for these premiums, insurance companies agree to pay policyholders in the event of a covered loss.

Examples of some companies within the insurance industry include:

• State Farm
• American Family Insurance
• Figo Pet Insurance
• BlueCrossBlueShield 
• Lemonade

In the insurance industry, UX designers help shape omnichannel experiences for users who are looking to accomplish everything from paying premiums to submitting claims within a single interface. 

This work carries its own set of unique challenges, since you’re often forced to work within legal constraints and complex processes, as well as designing for users who are in a crisis mode mindset. Some of the projects you might work on include:

• Insurance policy purchase and management websites and mobile apps
• Claims management systems and interfaces
• Customer service and support portals
• Health insurance enrollment and management tools
• Insurance underwriting and risk assessment tools
• Fraud detection and prevention systems
• Insurance product comparison and recommendation tools
• Insurance analytics and reporting dashboards

3. Banking

The banking industry refers to the businesses that provide financial services, including the accepting of deposits, the granting of loans, and the issuing of credit and debit cards. This industry includes a wide range of companies, including commercial banks, investment banks, and credit unions, among others. The banking industry plays a crucial role in the global economy by facilitating the flow of money, providing access to capital, and helping individuals and businesses manage their finances.

Examples of some companies within the banking industry include:

• JP Morgan Chase & Co
• Wave
• US Bank
• SoFi

UX designers in the banking industry aim to create digital experiences that are convenient, secure, and help customers better manage their finances.

Projects vary, but might include:

• Designing mobile banking apps that allow customers to manage their finances on-the-go, such as viewing account balances, paying bills, and transferring money.
• Designing user-friendly and secure online banking portals for customers to manage their accounts and access financial information.
• Improving the bill payment experience, including making it easier to view bills, schedule payments, and track payment history.
• Streamlining the loan application process, making it easier for customers to apply for loans and track their application status.
• Designing digital tools and experiences to help customers make informed investment decisions and manage their wealth.
• Improving the digital customer service experience, such as through the design of chatbots and other self-service tools.

4. Healthcare

The healthcare industry refers to the businesses and organizations that provide medical services, treatments, and products to individuals. This includes hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers, among others. 

The healthcare industry plays a critical role in promoting the health and well-being of individuals and communities and is driven by factors such as an aging population, advances in medical technology, and increased access to healthcare services. 

Examples of some companies within the healthcare industry include:

• Pfizer
• Johnson & Johnson
• Mayo Clinic
• Calm
• Doctor on Demand

UX designers in the healthcare industry work on projects related to creating user-centered digital solutions for healthcare organizations, patients, and healthcare professionals.

Some of the projects you might work on include: 

• Patient portals for accessing health records and communicating with healthcare providers
• Mobile health apps for tracking symptoms, managing chronic conditions, and booking appointments
• Clinical decision support tools for healthcare professionals
• Telemedicine platforms for remote consultations and monitoring
• Electronic health records (EHR) systems with intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows.

5. Government

The government industry refers to the sector that provides public services and oversees the governance of a country or region. It encompasses a wide range of organizations and institutions, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as public utilities, regulatory agencies, and military organizations. 

The government industry is responsible for a variety of tasks, such as ensuring public safety, providing social services, regulating commerce, protecting the environment, and maintaining infrastructure.

It's important to note that companies in the government industry are different from those in the private sector. In the government industry, companies are often government agencies, departments, and other public institutions that provide services and perform functions on behalf of the government. 

Here are a few examples within the United States:

Federal Government Agencies:

• Department of Defense (DOD)

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Department of Justice (DOJ)

• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Department of Transportation (DOT)

State Government Agencies:

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

• Department of Education

• Department of Health

• Department of Environmental Protection

UX designers in the government industry work on projects related to creating user-centered digital solutions for government organizations, citizens, and employees. These projects often require UX designers to have a strong understanding of government regulations and standards, including accessibility and security requirements for government websites and applications.

Some of the projects you might work on in this industry include:

• E-government portals for accessing government services and information online
• Dashboards and analytics tools for monitoring and managing public services
• Public safety and emergency response systems
• Employee portals for accessing HR information and company resources.

6. Travel

The travel industry involves the provision of services and products related to travel and tourism. This includes transportation (such as airlines, trains, and buses), accommodations (such as hotels and resorts), tour operators and travel agencies, and various tourist attractions and destinations.

Some examples of companies in the travel industry include:

• JetBlue, Delta, and other airlines
• Princess Cruises
• Marriott
• Airbnb
• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)

UX designers in the travel industry work on projects related to creating user-centered digital solutions for travel companies, travelers, and travel industry professionals. 

Unique challenges you might face in your work include complex pricing structures, the need for real-time updates, as well as the accessibility and usability needs of travelers, including travelers with various language, culture, and disability considerations.

Some examples of projects you might work on include:

• Travel booking websites and mobile apps for flights, hotels, and rental cars
• Destination guides and travel planning tools
• In-flight entertainment systems
• Loyalty and rewards programs for frequent travelers
• Corporate travel management systems for companies and travel agencies.

7. Education

The education industry encompasses all organizations and institutions that are involved in the provision of education and training, from early childhood education to higher education. This includes public and private schools, colleges, universities, tutoring and test preparation services, and online e-learning platforms.

Some examples of companies in the education industry include:

• McGraw-Hill Education
• Cambridge University
• Skillshare
• Teachable
• Khan Academy
• Duolingo
• Designlab

UX designers in the education industry typically work on projects that focus on creating engaging and effective learning experiences for students, as well as supporting educators who need to compile and present their material in an engaging way. 

Many of the projects you might work on require a deep understanding of pedagogy, learning theories, and the needs of students and teachers, as well as an ability to create intuitive and effective user interfaces that support the learning process.

Some of the projects you might work on throughout the education (and e-learning) industries include:

• Online learning platforms and websites
• Learning management systems (LMS)
• Mobile learning applications
• Virtual and augmented reality educational experiences
• Student assessment and evaluation tools
• Interactive textbooks and e-learning content
• Course authoring and content development tools
• Tutoring and personalized learning systems

8. Retail

The retail industry involves the sale of goods and services directly to consumers, typically through brick-and-mortar stores or e-commerce platforms. It includes a wide range of businesses, from small, independent retailers to large multinational corporations, and encompasses a diverse range of products, including clothing, electronics, food and groceries, and home goods. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping and forced many brick-and-mortar retailers to re-evaluate their business models.

Some examples of companies in the retail industry include:

• Target
• Costco
• Home Depot
• Best Buy
• Macy's
• Ikea

UX designers in the retail industry might work on projects that are specifically e-commerce, although they have the additional challenge of ensuring that the online experience aligns with the experience that customers are familiar with when shopping in physical locations. 

Some examples of projects you might work on include:

• Retail websites and e-commerce platforms
• Mobile shopping apps
• In-store technology experiences (such as self-checkout systems and interactive kiosks)
• Personalized product recommendations and search tools
• Inventory management and supply chain systems
• Customer service and support portals
• Marketing and promotional campaigns
• Payment and checkout processes

9. Gaming

The gaming industry involves the production and distribution of video games, mobile games, and other forms of digital entertainment. Major companies in the industry include game developers and publishers, as well as hardware manufacturers. The industry is also characterized by a growing focus on gaming as a form of social interaction, as well as the use of games for educational and therapeutic purposes.

Some examples of companies in the gaming industry include:

• Nintendo
• Activision Blizzard
• Electronic Arts
• Ubisoft
• Take-Two Interactive

UX designers in the gaming industry work on creating a seamless and intuitive user experience for players, as well as creating more accessible and inclusive gaming experiences.

UX designers in the gaming industry must be able to balance player needs with business goals, such as maximizing in-game purchases and promoting player engagement and retention. 

The specific projects that UX designers work on can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the game development studio—as well as the type of game being developed—but might include:

• Video game interfaces and user flows
• Virtual and augmented reality experiences
• Mobile and desktop gaming applications
• Multiplayer games and social features
• In-game purchases and monetization systems
• Game tutorials and onboarding experiences
• Game narrative and storytelling elements

10. Technology

The technology industry is a rapidly growing and constantly evolving sector that encompasses the development, design, production, and sale of a wide range of electronic and computer-based products and services. Although tech stands in its own sector, it’s often tightly linked with other industries such as hardware, software, telecommunications, e-commerce, etc. 

Some examples of companies in the tech industry include:

• Google
• Microsoft
• Facebook
• Mixpanel
• Apple

UX designers in the tech industry typically work on a wide range of digital products and services, such as designing:

• Software applications and platforms
• Mobile applications and websites
• Web-based tools and services
• Internet of Things (IoT) products and interfaces
• Virtual and augmented reality experiences
• Wearable technology and smart devices
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning interfaces
• Cloud-based services and platforms

How To Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job in a Specific Industry

Here are a few ways to leverage industry work experience strategically to build your career:

1. Research the industry and its companies: Familiarize yourself with the companies and products within your desired industry, and understand their target users and design needs.
2. Network and build relationships: Attend industry events, connect with professionals in the industry on LinkedIn, and participate in UX design communities.
3. Create a portfolio that showcases relevant experience: Highlight projects that demonstrate your skills and experience in the specific industry and target audience.
4. Develop a deep understanding of the industry's specific design challenges: Demonstrate your knowledge of industry-specific design considerations and how you would approach them.
5. Stay up to date with industry trends and advancements: Stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and technologies in the industry to stay competitive.
6. Show your passion and enthusiasm for the industry: Convey your genuine interest in the industry, and how you want to contribute to its growth and success through your work.

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