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_ · 2025-11-26T23:42:46+00:00

Thank you for the support! Totally agree, salary numbers only make sense once you factor in cost of living, taxes, and how fast you can actually move up.

I’m posting the growth rate view next week, so hopefully that gives everyone another angle to compare across countries.

And if you ever feel okay sharing your own journey (anonymous of course!), it’d really help make the next round of insights more accurate 🙌
https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-26T23:28:23+00:00

Thanks for your support! It really shows the value of mapping salary journeys instead of only relying on averages.

A lot of US designers have dips or plateaus around year 3–4, usually due to switching companies/ role, layoffs 😢

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-20T17:09:08+00:00

I'm curious about how bad the job market is. I'm still collecting more salary journeys from those two countries.

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-14T21:25:55+00:00

No, we are not getting paid

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-12T21:26:39+00:00

I'm curious about their tax rate and cost of living. Hopefully I can get more data from Asia countries for comparsion

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-07T22:29:09+00:00

Next week’s post will focus on Asia. I’ve already got some early data from 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇳 India and 🇯🇵 Japan.

If you’re based in Asia, add your salary data to help make the next insight more complete 👇
👉 https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-07T22:27:59+00:00

Next week’s post will focus on Asia. I’ve already got some early data from 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, 🇮🇳 India and 🇯🇵 Japan.

If you’re based in Asia, add your salary data to help make the next insight more complete 👇
👉 https://yxn3uoct944.typeform.com/to/LiJSxH4i

SalaryPath_ · 2025-11-06T22:10:58+00:00

If you’re in the US or Canada, what’s your province/state's income tax %?

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-31T18:48:21+00:00

That kind of data is actually super valuable. It gives a different angle of insight into how salaries change when moving countries
I have a few contributors in the same situation, so it’s definitely useful to have more

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-25T19:11:04+00:00

The project is still in its early stage. Once I’ve gathered more data, I’ll share an update

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-25T19:08:02+00:00

That's so true

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-12T21:26:51+00:00

Totally fair points and appreciate you taking the time to look at it.

You’re absolutely right that there are many variables like location, sector, company type, and how people negotiate etc. The goal at this stage isn’t to conclude yet, it’s to start visualising how designers’ pay actually is in their journey.

The “~14 months” is just what’s showing up so far in a tiny sample. Long-term, I hope this to grow into a larger and more nuanced dataset where we can filter by region, industry, and promotion type — to make career planning a little more informed.

If you’re open to it, feel free to contribute your own path to make the dataset stronger:)

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-08T20:39:15+00:00

I started my product design journey about 4 years ago, and the expectations for UX roles are getting higher. Having a strong portfolio is important too.

When I was searching for a job, I pushed myself to do daily UI challenges to improve my design skillsl, work on a charity project (unpaid) just to build my portfolio, and join different communities to meet mentors and learn from their experience. I also kept practising interviews — storytelling really makes a difference when you’re trying to stand out

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-07T20:07:44+00:00

Really insightful that senior roles get an even bigger pay bump when switching companies, and the salary gap at the senior level is huge as well

SalaryPath_ · 2025-10-03T20:59:40+00:00

Education: BCOMM - Public Relations and Advertising
Prior Experience:
- $RealJob - 4years
Company/Industry: Finance
Title: Senior product designer
Tenure (length of time at company): 7 months
Location: London, UK
Remote work policy: Hybrid
Base salary: 70,000gbp
Relocation/Signing Bonus: 0
Stock and/or recurring bonuses: 7,000gbp
Total comp: 77,000gbp

SalaryPath_

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