20 Best UX Designer
Freelancers
to Hire
in 2023

UX design, or user experience design, is the process of designing products or services that are useful, easy to use, and satisfying for users. It involves understanding the needs and goals of the users, and designing solutions to meet those needs in a way that is efficient, effective, and enjoyable.

This process typically includes research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration to create a final design that meets the needs of both the users and the business or organization. The goal of UX design is to create a positive experience for users while achieving business objectives.

A User Experience Designer is responsible for designing the user experience of a product or service. Here are some typical tasks and responsibilities of a UX designer:

1. Conducting research on users, including personas, user journeys, and usability testing.
2. Designing user flow, information architecture, and wireframes to create a blueprint for the product's user interface.
3. Collaborating with stakeholders, developers, and other designers to create a visual design that meets user needs and business requirements.
4. Testing and iterating on the design to ensure usability and accessibility.
5. Creating prototypes to gather feedback and validate design decisions.
6. Staying up-to-date with the latest UX design trends, techniques, and technologies.

Ultimately, a UX designer's goal is to ensure that users can easily accomplish their goals while using a product or service. They work on creating a positive user experience that takes into consideration a user's entire journey with a product or service, from initial discovery and consideration to ongoing usage and loyalty.

There are several reasons why it is important to hire a UX designer:

1. Improving User Experience: A UX designer can help improve the user experience of a product or service by creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty.
2. Competitive Advantage: Having a great user experience can give a business a competitive advantage by setting them apart from their competitors. Customers are more likely to use a product or service if they find it easy to use and enjoyable.
3. Increased Revenue: A positive user experience can lead to increased revenue by attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. Customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and refer their friends and family if they have a great user experience.
4. Cost Savings: A UX designer can help identify and eliminate usability issues early in the design process, which can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for expensive redesigns or development fixes down the line.

In summary, hiring a UX designer can help businesses create products and services that are easier to use, more enjoyable for customers, and ultimately more profitable.

Here are some steps to follow when hiring a UX designer:

1. Define Your Needs: Determine the scope of the project, the timeline, and the budget. This will help you identify whether you need a full-time or part-time UX designer and what skills and experience they should have.
2. Create a Job Description: Create a detailed job description that includes the expectations, requirements, and responsibilities of the UX designer. This should include information about the company, the project, and the expected outcome.
3. Advertise the Job: Advertise the job boards and sites like Contra and LinkedIn. You could also consider reaching out to local UX design organizations or schools.
4. Review Resumes and Portfolios: Review the resumes and portfolios of potential candidates on Contra and screen them to ensure they meet the requirements of the job. Look for experience, skills, and accolades that are relevant to your project.
5. Interview Candidates: Conduct interviews with your top candidates and ask them questions about their previous experience, approach to UX design, and how they would approach your specific project.
6. Review Work Samples: Review work samples and case studies provided by the candidates to ensure that their design approach and style aligns with your project goals.
7. Check References: Check the references of the candidate's previous employers or clients to ensure their work is of high quality and they are easy to work with.

Ultimately, finding the right UX designer for your project requires careful research, screening, and due diligence. By taking the time to identify the right candidate, you can ensure that the final product meets or exceeds your expectations and delivers value to your users.

UX designers use a wide range of software to create wireframes, prototypes, and other design assets. Here are some of the most common software applications used by UX designers:

1. Sketch: A vector-based design tool used for creating wireframes, visual designs, and interactive prototypes.
2. Figma: A collaborative web-based design tool used for creating wireframes, visual designs, and prototyping.
3. Adobe XD: A UI/UX design tool used for creating wireframes, visual designs, interactive prototypes, and design systems.
4. Axure: A dedicated prototyping tool used for creating interactive prototypes with complex interactions and animations.
5. InVision: A popular web-based tool used for creating prototypes and design interactions.
6. Balsamiq: A rapid wireframing tool used for creating low-fidelity wireframes quickly.
7. Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard tool used for brainstorming and creating user flows.

Overall, the choice of software depends on the UX designer's preference and the project's requirements. The software should enable designers and developers to collaborate effectively, communicate design concepts, and create high-quality design assets.

UX designers can be paid in a variety of ways depending on their job position and the industry.

1. Salary: Many UX designers are salaried employees, where they receive a fixed annual salary in exchange for their time and skills. The salary amount can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry.
2. Hourly Rate: Some UX designers may work on a contract or freelance basis, and they may charge an hourly rate that is based on the project's scope, timeline, and complexity.
3. Project-based: UX designers may also charge a flat fee for a specific project or a series of projects with a set scope and deliverables.
4. Retainer: Some UX designers may also work as consultants or advisors and charge a retainer fee for regular check-ins, support, and guidance throughout the project.

The payment structure chosen depends on the individual's preference and the needs of the client and project. It is essential to establish clear expectations and agreements upfront to ensure both parties are satisfied with the terms of payment.

The cost of hiring a UX designer can vary depending on several factors such as their level of experience, location, and the scope of the project. It also depends if you decide to hire a freelancer or in-house designer. Here are some general guidelines on what to expect:

1. Junior UX Designer: A junior UX designer typically has zero to three years of experience and can range from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
2. Mid-level UX Designer: A mid-level UX designer typically has three to five years of experience and can range from $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
3. Senior UX Designer: A senior UX designer typically has more than five years of experience and can range from $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

Keep in mind that these salary estimates are just a starting point and may vary based on the designer's location and the company's industry and size. Additionally, the cost of hiring a UX designer on a project basis or an hourly rate will depend on the specific project's scope and timeline.

The salary of a UX designer depends on factors such as experience, location, industry, and the specific company they work for. Here are some general salary ranges for UX designers in the United States:

1. Junior UX Designer: The average salary for a junior UX designer is around $59,000 per year.
2. Mid-level UX Designer: The average salary for a mid-level UX designer is around $85,000 per year.
3. Senior UX Designer: The average salary for a senior UX designer is around $110,000 per year.

These salary estimates are based on data from several sources and are intended to provide a general idea of what to expect. Actual salaries can vary widely and may be higher or lower depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, keep in mind that salary varies based on location, company size, industry, and experience level.

Here are some steps to follow to start working as a UX designer:

1. Learn the Essentials: Learn the basics of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. You can start by reading books, taking courses, or watching online tutorials. Some essential skills to learn include design principles, information architecture, prototyping, and design tools such as Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD.
2. Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio of your design work on Contra to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Focus on building a variety of projects that demonstrate your design process and skills across different devices and platforms.
3. Get Hands-on Experience: Apply what you have learned by working on real-world projects. Consider contributing to open-source projects, interning with design agencies or other companies, or partnering with classmates to work on design projects. Freelancing can be an excellent way to find projects that match your skills and interests, set your own schedule, and build your portfolio.
4. Network: Join design communities, attend industry events, and conferences, and network with other professionals to learn about job openings and career opportunities.
5. Apply to Jobs: Start applying to UX designer jobs on Contra or at companies that align with your interests and goals. Be sure to tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific job listing and company.
6. Continuously Improve: Keep learning new skills and trends in the UX design field to stay current and to continue growing in your career.

Overall, building a career in UX design requires a combination of skills, experience, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The key is to focus on consistently delivering excellent design work and building a strong reputation within the design community.

The time it takes to become a UX designer varies depending on a person's starting point, learning pace, and level of commitment. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Education: A degree in a relevant field such as design, psychology, computer science, or human-computer interaction (HCI) can provide a solid foundation for UX design. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete.
2. Self-Study: Self-study through online courses, books, and practice can help you learn the essential UX design skills. The time it takes to complete can vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the intensity and structure of the course.
3. Work Experience: Working on real projects and building a portfolio on Contra is a key aspect of developing practical UX design skills. This can take several months to a few years, depending on the number of projects and complexity.

Combining all of these options, becoming a UX designer can take anywhere from a few months to a few years or even longer depending on the individual's starting point and pace. The most important thing is to stay committed and continue learning and building your skills to improve your portfolio and chances of landing a job as a UX designer.

Yes, UX design is a fulfilling and rewarding career, and it is one of the fastest-growing fields within the design industry. Here are some reasons why UX design is a good career choice:

1. High Demand: There is a growing demand for UX/UI designers across a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
2. Competitive Salary: A UX designer salary is generally quite competitive, with junior designers making around $59,000 per year, and senior designers making $110,000 or more per year.
3. Creative and Challenging Work: UX design involves solving complex problems and creating experiences that are intuitive, engaging, and useful for users.
4. Collaborative Environment: UX/UI designers often work in a collaborative environment, like a design agency, with other designers, developers, stakeholders, and users, which means you get to work with a diverse group of people.
5. High Job Satisfaction: A career in UX design can be rewarding, as you get to see the impact of your work in real-time, and it can be hugely satisfying to see users engage and enjoy the products you help create.

In summary, a career in UX design offers a great mix of creativity, problem-solving, and job satisfaction and can be a great fit for those interested in design, psychology, and technology.

UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) designers are complementary roles but with different focuses. Here are the main differences:

1. Focus: UI designers are primarily responsible for the user interface, including visual design, typography, layout, and branding. On the other hand, UX designers are focused on creating the best user experience possible, incorporating research, information architecture, and user flows.
2. Skills: UI designers typically have expertise in visual design, including graphic design, typography, and branding. UX designers, on the other hand, have expertise in research, prototyping, user testing, and interaction design.
3. Tools: UI designers typically use design tools, such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and Illustrator. UX designers also use these tools but may also incorporate tools such as InVision, Balsamiq, and Axure to create wireframes and interactive prototypes.
4. Collaboration: UI designers collaborate with UX designers, developers, and other stakeholders to create visually appealing designs that meet user needs and business goals. UX designers collaborate with researchers, developers, product managers, and other UX professionals to create user-focused design solutions.

In summary, while there are differences between UI and UX designers, the two roles are closely related and work in tandem to create successful user experiences. UX and UI designers need to have a mutual understanding of how their roles complement each other to create cohesive user experiences.