Augmented reality design careers are exciting and rapidly growing. They combine creativity, technology, and innovation. AR designers use computer-generated images to enhance the real-world environment and create immersive experiences for users. From gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare, AR is transforming the way we interact with the world around us.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in augmented reality design, there are several paths you can take. Whether you have a background in art, design, or technology, there are opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field. From formal education programs to online courses and self-directed learning, there are many ways to gain the expertise and experience needed to become an AR designer.
Here is what we will cover in this article:
- Is Augmented Reality a Good Career?
- How Much Do Augmented Reality Designers Make?
- How Do I Start a Career in Augmented Reality (with examples of good portfolios)
- Best Tools for Making AR Apps (to learn how to build your projects)
- FAQ on the Augmented Reality Design Career Path
Is Augmented Reality a Good Career?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a rapidly growing field that offers exciting career opportunities for designers, developers, and engineers. AR designers are responsible for creating engaging and interactive experiences for users that blend the physical and digital worlds.
AR is becoming increasingly popular in industries such as gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare, and retail. As a result, there is a growing demand for skilled AR professionals. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an AR designer in the United States is around $85,000 per year.
In addition to attractive salaries, AR designers have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and collaborate with other creative professionals. AR design requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Designers must be proficient in software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and ARKit. They must also have a strong understanding of user experience design and be able to create intuitive interfaces that are easy to use.
AR designers must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field. This requires a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. AR designers must also be able to work well in a team environment and be able to communicate their ideas effectively.
Overall, AR is a promising career field that offers exciting opportunities for creative professionals. With the growing demand for AR experiences in various industries, the future looks bright for those who pursue a career in AR design.
How Much Do Augmented Reality Designers Make?
Augmented reality (AR) designers are responsible for creating immersive and interactive AR experiences for various industries such as gaming, education, entertainment, and healthcare. If you are considering a career in AR design, one of the most important factors to consider is the potential salary.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an augmented reality designer in the United States is $83,148 per year. However, the salary range can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, and industry. Entry-level AR designers with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average of $35,500 to $42,499 per year, while those with 15 or more years of experience can earn up to $82,999 per year.
On Glassdoor, the salary range for augmented reality designers in the United States is between $58,933 to $73,860 per year. The salary range on Salary.com is similar, with an average base salary of $66,289 per year.
It's worth noting that the industry in which an AR designer works can also affect their salary. For example, AR designers working in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries can earn higher salaries than those working in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industries.
In conclusion, augmented reality design is a lucrative career path with a high demand for skilled professionals. While salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and industry, the average salary for an AR designer in the United States is around $80,000 per year.
How Do I Start a Career in Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a rapidly growing field that combines digital and real-world experiences. It offers a wide range of career opportunities for those interested in design, development, and technology. Here are some steps to help you start a career in augmented reality:
1. Gain a Strong Foundation in Design and Technology
A career in augmented reality requires a strong foundation in design and technology. Individuals interested in AR design should have experience in graphic design, user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) design. They should also know programming languages such as C++, C#, JavaScript, or Swift.
2. Get Familiar with AR Tools and Platforms
To become an AR designer, you need to be familiar with AR tools and platforms. AR designers use software such as Unity, Vuforia, and ARKit to create AR experiences. It is recommended to gain practical experience with these tools by participating in hackathons, online courses, or internships.
3. Build a Strong Portfolio
A strong portfolio is essential for any designer looking to start a career in augmented reality. It showcases your skills and experience to potential employers and clients. AR designers should include examples of AR projects they have worked on, such as AR games, AR apps, or AR marketing campaigns.
The best thing you can is to find examples of portfolios from professional AR Designers. Here is a list of great ones you can get inspired from:
- Jon Viera's portfolio, who works as a Product Designer (AR/VR) at Facebook Reality Virtual Labs
- Sarah Tan is a Product Designer at Atlassian. She specializes in AR/VR and previously designed digital experiences for Google, NASA, Facebook, Adobe, and Mastercard.
- Krystle Young is a UX Designer who worked at Uber and Disney. The breakdown of each AR project is a great example of what to showcase in your portfolio. It details the research process, user needs, the design process and finally the lessons learned.
I also recommend you read Figma's advice to create a good portfolio. Their tips apply even if it's not an AR/VR-centric portfolio.
4. Network with other AR/VR Designers, and companies
Networking is crucial in any industry, and augmented reality is no exception. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with professionals in the field to learn about job opportunities and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. You can start looking at jobs listed on Woody Jobs in our AI & VR section. You will find several companies such as Gravity Sketch looking for profiles like you. Don't hesitate to identify key players there (for example, Head of Design, or other AR Designers) and reach out.
5. Learn by building your own projects
You can start with these courses on Coursera, or courses recommended by GameDevAcademy. And then, you can follow Sarah Tan's template for AR Projects, and then get familiar with tools to make AR Apps.
What are the Best Tools for Making AR Apps
Creating augmented reality (AR) apps involves a combination of software development, 3D modeling, and other specialized tasks. Here are some popular tools and frameworks commonly used for developing AR applications:
- Unity 3D:
- Unity is a powerful game development engine that also supports AR development. It has a large community, extensive documentation, and supports multiple platforms.
- Features:
- Vuforia and AR Foundation are Unity packages for AR development.
- Cross-platform support (iOS, Android, Windows).
- Rich asset store for 3D models and other resources.
- ARKit (iOS) and ARCore (Android):
- These are AR development frameworks provided by Apple and Google for their respective mobile platforms.
- Features:
- Integrates with native development environments (Xcode for iOS, Android Studio for Android).
- Provides APIs for motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation.
- Wikitude:
- Wikitude is an AR SDK that supports both marker-based and markerless AR experiences.
- Features:
- Cross-platform development (iOS, Android, Windows).
- Geo AR capabilities for location-based AR experiences.
- Image recognition and tracking.
- AR.js:
- AR.js is an open-source JavaScript library for creating AR content on the web. It is built on top of A-Frame and Three.js.
- Features:
- Marker-based and markerless AR experiences.
- Works directly in web browsers without the need for additional plugins.
- Vuforia:
- Vuforia is an AR development platform that integrates with Unity and supports various devices.
- Features:
- Marker-based and markerless tracking.
- Object recognition.
- Extended tracking for improved AR experiences.
- ARToolKit:
- ARToolKit is an open-source tracking library for AR applications. It supports marker-based and markerless tracking.
- Features:
- Cross-platform (iOS, Android, Windows, Linux).
- Supports a wide range of programming languages.
- Zappar:
- Zappar is an AR toolkit and platform for creating AR experiences without extensive coding knowledge.
- Features:
- ZapWorks Studio for easy AR content creation.
- Supports image and world tracking.
- MaxST AR SDK:
- MaxST is an AR SDK that provides features like image recognition, 3D object tracking, and more.
- Features:
- Cross-platform support.
- Integration with Unity for game development.
The choice of tool depends on factors such as your target platform, development skills, and specific features needed for your AR application. It's also important to stay updated on new tools and frameworks as the AR development landscape continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are needed to pursue a career in augmented reality design?
To pursue a career in augmented reality design, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, graphic design, or game programming. A strong understanding of AR technology and its potential applications is also important. Additionally, having experience with software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and Maya can be beneficial.
What is the average salary for an augmented reality designer?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an augmented reality designer in the United States is around $85,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific company or industry.
Are there opportunities for remote work within the augmented reality design field?
Yes, there are opportunities for remote work within the augmented reality design field. Many companies in the tech industry, including those focused on AR, offer remote work options. Freelance work is also a common option for AR designers.
What are the primary responsibilities of an AR/VR developer?
The primary responsibilities of an AR/VR developer include designing and developing software and applications for virtual and augmented reality experiences. This may involve coding, testing, and debugging software, as well as collaborating with designers and other team members to create immersive and engaging experiences.
