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LIVE · ONS ASHE 2025 SYNCED
00:00:00 UTC
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC TRADES N.E.C.▲ 65% /10yrBUSINESS, RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS N.E.C.▲ 60% /10yrFINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS▲ 55% /10yrASSEMBLERS (VEHICLES AND METAL GOODS)▼ 1% /10yrHIGHER EDUCATION TEACHING PROFESSIONALS▲ 5% /10yrSOFTWARE ENGINEER£55,000▲ 38% /5yrCYBER SECURITY ANALYST£62,000▲ 35% /5yr
SOC 3429Culture, media and sports occupations

Design occupations n.e.c. Salary

QUOTE · DESIGN OCCUPATIONS N.E.C.UK · 2025
£37,017
▼ 5% vs UK median (£39,039)
2021–2025 median▲ 32%

Median salary £37,017 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £37,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For design occupations n.e.c., £39,779 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +2.0% versus the national average.

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About this role

Design occupations not elsewhere classified include specialist design roles such as exhibition designers, set designers, signage designers, packaging designers, UX designers and other creative design professionals not covered by specific codes.

Key responsibilities

  • Developing design solutions for specific briefs and contexts
  • Creating concepts, prototypes and technical specifications
  • Collaborating with clients, manufacturers and technical teams
  • Producing designs using relevant software and tools
  • Managing design projects from brief to delivery

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a degree in a relevant design discipline. Professional body memberships (CSD, D&AD) are recognised. Portfolio demonstrating relevant work is essential.

Career outlook

UX/UI and digital product design are in high demand. Exhibition and experiential design offer specialist niches. Sustainability in design is a growing focus.

Key skills

Creative problem-solvingDesign software proficiencyProject managementTechnical specificationClient communication

Common industries

  • Design consultancies
  • Exhibition and museum design
  • Theatre and set design
  • Packaging design
  • Digital product design

Data coverage

SOC code3429
Data sourceONS ASHE
Years available2021–2025
Estimated jobs23,000
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Mean Salary
£41,839
Top 10% Earn
N/A
Jobs (000s)
23k
Data Years
5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: £22kP25: £30kMedian: £37kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£22,062

0-2 years

Mid Level

£30,449

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Nominal growth: +32.4%Real growth: +7.1%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 17.6%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees
£37,017
Full-time Only
£39,779

Full-time premium: +£2,762

WINDOW: FAQ

Design occupations n.e.c. salary: common questions

How much do design occupations n.e.c. earn in the UK?
Design occupations n.e.c. earn a median of £39,779 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).
Is £39,779 a good salary in the UK?
For design occupations n.e.c., £39,779 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +2.0% versus the national average.
What is the starting salary for design occupations n.e.c.?
Entry-level design occupations n.e.c. typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £30,449, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £22,062.
Have design occupations n.e.c. salaries kept up with inflation?
Since 2021, median design occupations n.e.c. pay has risen from £28,886 to £39,779 — +38% in cash terms, or +11% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.
Is there a gender pay gap for design occupations n.e.c.?
Male design occupations n.e.c. earn a median £40,543 and female design occupations n.e.c. £33,394 — a gap of +18% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).

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