Usability expert

What does a usability expert do? – Tasks and work environment

A usability expert works on analyzing, developing, and improving digital interfaces, services, and products to optimize the user experience. The work often involves conducting user tests, mapping user behaviors, and proposing design changes that make it easier and more intuitive to use websites, apps, or internal systems. Typical tasks include user interviews, prototyping, accessibility analyses, and collaboration with developers and designers. The work environment is usually office-based, often project-oriented, and involves close dialogue with stakeholders in IT, design, and business.

Salary development over time

The salary for a usability expert has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 50,700 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 52 800 SEK, which is approximately a 4% increase. For 2024, the average salary further rose to 54 900 SEK, nearly a 4% increase again this year. This trend reflects a continued strong demand for skills in user-centered design and digitalization, where employers compete for qualified candidates. The trend indicates that usability experts, especially those with experience and up-to-date knowledge, have good prospects for salary growth as digital services become increasingly important in society.

Usability expert salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 54 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-university education)
• Highest salary: 61,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 330 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 55 600 SEK, women: 52 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: No detailed data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a usability expert, a university degree in areas such as interaction design, cognitive science, informatics, or computer science is usually required. Many have also supplemented their education with courses in user-centered design, accessibility, and UX methodology. Practical experience with user testing and digital product development is often advantageous, as are certifications in relevant tools and methods.

• Formal education: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in interaction design, informatics, or equivalent
• Certifications: Examples include UX certification, HFI, Google UX Design
• Internships/Traineeships: Common in larger companies or consulting firms
• Prerequisites: Basic IT and design skills
• Self-study/online: Many deepen their knowledge through online courses and workshops

Common benefits and compensations

Usability experts are often offered competitive employment conditions. Common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, wellness allowances, professional development, and occupational pension schemes. Some employers also offer bonus programs and advantageous insurance solutions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for qualified usability experts is relatively high, while demand for the profession continues to grow. The rapid development of the industry requires constant skill updating and adaptation to new tools, methods, and user behaviors. A challenge can be to demonstrate the value of user-centered design to organizations that do not have an established UX culture. Additionally, the role may involve balancing the demands and expectations of different stakeholders, which requires strong collaboration skills and pedagogical ability.

Tips for those who want to become a usability expert

To succeed as a usability expert, it’s good to be curious and have a genuine interest in how people interact with technology. Developing analytical skills makes it easier to interpret user data and draw relevant conclusions, while good communication skills help convey insights to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tools and ways of working are also valuable, as digital environments change rapidly. Building your own network and staying updated on industry trends through conferences and online forums can facilitate career development. Creativity and problem-solving skills are important for finding innovative solutions that improve product usability. Finally, accuracy combined with a pragmatic approach is essential, as the balance between user-friendliness and technical constraints is often challenged in practice.

Key facts about a usability expert

• Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in design/IT
• Work environment: Office-based, often project-oriented
• Common employment form: Consultant or employed within IT/development
• Demand: Great job opportunities
• Special skills: UX methodology, user testing, prototyping

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many usability experts develop specialized skills in areas such as accessibility, user-centered design, or service design. Common career paths include roles as UX lead, product owner, or strategist within digital development. Some choose to further specialize through research education or work as independent consultants. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast, opportunities within software and system development are strong, and demand is expected to remain stable over five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding the right skills, although there is some turnover as many leave the profession. Currently, there are 179 available jobs in the field, indicating continued high demand for usability experts.

Frequently asked questions about a usability expert

• What does a usability expert earn?
  - The average salary is 54 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in usability expert salaries?
  - Women earn on average 52 700 SEK while men earn 55 600 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
• What education is needed to become a usability expert?
  - A bachelor's degree in interaction design, informatics, or similar is most common, supplemented with internships and courses in UX.
• What is the job market like for usability experts?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to stay the same over the next five years according to the Swedish Employment Agency.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a usability expert?
  - The highest salary is 61,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, research degree) and the lowest is 40,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-university education).
• What benefits are common for usability experts?
  - Common benefits include flexible hours, remote work, wellness allowances, and professional development.
• Are there regional salary differences for usability experts?
  - No detailed statistics are available regarding regional salary differences for this profession.