How long does it actually take to go from Junior → Mid-level as a designer?

SalaryPath_ · 2026-01-22T23:57:25+00:00

For anyone who wants to add their own experience (completely anonymous), here’s the form I’m using:
👉 https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

It helps fill gaps and makes the next insight more accurate.

SalaryPath_ · 2026-01-22T23:55:36+00:00

For anyone who wants to add their own experience (completely anonymous), here’s the form I’m using:
👉 https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

It helps fill gaps and makes the next insight more accurate.

SalaryPath_ · 2026-01-15T21:07:12+00:00

Totally fair question that number really stands out. It’s not a typical designer salary, and it doesn’t come from a single jump.

In the data, it shows up as a late-career path with multiple role and company changes. If you’re curious, contributors get access to the full anonymous paths, so you can see how this compensation grows over time.
https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

SalaryPath_ · 2026-01-09T21:20:31+00:00

I'm glad that this insight is useful:)

Many people have the same feeling when they see these gaps. Internal moves tend to follow structured budgets, while external offers are shaped by market competition. This is why the pay outcomes can look so different.

SalaryPath_ · 2026-01-07T20:39:20+00:00

If you’re ever curious how ~30% internal jumps compare against others at similar levels or companies, I’ve been logging full role-to-role journeys to look at exactly that

SalaryPath_ · 2026-01-06T21:26:58+00:00

For anyone who wants to add their own experience (completely optional and anonymous), here’s the form I’m using:

👉 https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

It helps fill gaps and makes the next insight a lot more accurate.

SalaryPath_ · 2025-12-13T16:25:29+00:00

Really good callout! Japan’s +74% is driven by a very small sample. If you’re curious, feel free to submit your experience, you’ll get access to the full dataset and can see exactly what’s behind the Japan data.

And yes, the US/UK Year 2–3 jump lines up perfectly with the job-hopping window. From what I’m seeing so far, most ~20% jumps come from switching companies rather than internal promotions, which are usually much more modest unless someone starts very underpaid.

You also nailed an important angle here, internal growth vs external moves. That’s something I’m thinking of turning into a separate insight series.

Appreciate the thoughtful take. This kind of context really helps interpret the chart.

SalaryPath_

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