UX Work Status

Hello :)

In this post I will be detailing the types of status available when working as a UX professional. In this instance, by 'status' I am referring to being employed, self-employed as a freelancer sourcing clients directly, and also as a contractor operating via a Limited Company or an Umbrella Organisation. I will be making a subsequent post as to the job/project types available within UX.

EMPLOYED

This is the most self-explanatory role type available. Basically you would be employed in a traditional sense and you would obtain such work by applying for advertised posts or by making speculative applications. If successful with your application and interview you would be hired on a contract and you would be subject to the highest tax and contribution rates out of all the work options described here. You would be paid via the standard PAYE system in the UK.

There are a lot of employed UX vacancies in the UK and this is the most 'secure' form of work available. This being so, the pay is somewhat less than working via the other options. Expect salaries ranging from £30000 a year for a junior to mid-weight Designer, up to and exceeding £50000 to £60000 a year for Senior Designers.

As an employed UX professional you have the option of applying for both in-person and remote UX roles and there are opportunities for both worldwide.

SELF EMPLOYED FREELANCER

In this capacity you would source your clients directly - meaning you would either advertise your services and attract business, or you would proactively approach companies offering your services. Following this route, you can operate as an independent sole trader whereby you would pay the middle level of tax and contributions of the three options described here. It really depends what is your preference and nature. If you have what it takes to market your services effectively, you can charge the highest rates as there is no middle-man agency involved - but the flow of work MAY be less reliable than working as a contractor via agencies. You would have the world as your oyster as you can offer your services domestically and internationally if you have the soft and business skills required.

LIMITED COMPANY CONTRACT WORK

As you may see when searching for employed roles, a fair portion of advertised positions on job boards are for contractors whereby your services would be hired for short to medium term projects typically lasting three to six months in duration. The benefits of this option are that there are quite a lot projects consistently available, and you don't have to do the marketing as you would go through a middle-man agency. In this scenario, for legal purposes, you would be required to set up your own limited company - and this is not as daunting as it sounds. With limited company status you would pay the lowest rate of tax and contributions out of the three options described here. You can also function via an umbrella organisation but then you would pay higher rates of tax/contributions but not quite at the level as you would if you were employed. This is only a viable option if you are scared off by setting up a Limited Company..

You would tend to only have in-person work available as a Limited Company Contract worker but there are opportunities domestically and internationally.

CONCLUSION

It really depends on your circumstances and preferences as to which option is the best fit for you. I hope this mini-guide has given you a good starting point and food for thought!

Til next time! :)

Steven Cook

www.contentdesignsolutions.co.uk