Acknowledgements

This report is a community artifact. It exists because hundreds of professionals—from Junior Designers to Chief Experience Officers—took the time to share their private data for the public good.

To everyone who filled out the survey, shared the link in a Slack group, or offered feedback on a draft: Thank you. You are building the transparency this industry needs.

Our Supporters

We are grateful to the organizations and individuals who support the mission of a more transparent, mature Service Design industry.

See the full list of our Supporters and Partners

Join the Mission

We are always looking for partners who believe in the value of Service Design and want to see its practitioners thrive. If you want to support the next edition of this report, get in touch.

About the Author

The Service Design Salary(+) Report is an initiative by Service Design Jobs, the premier resource for service design career opportunities worldwide.

This initiative is led by Marc Fonteijn.

"My mission is simple: to give service design professionals the tools, data, and confidence they need to build sustainable, rewarding careers. Whether through the Service Design Show, the Circle community, or this report, I believe transparency is the tide that lifts all boats."

Voices from the Community

This year, over 250 participants left comments. We read every single one. Here are a few stories that capture the spirit of why we do this work.

On Impact & Negotiation

"Last year’s report helped me be more aware of how much of a raise I should get this year. And I got it! Thank you."

"It is thanks to the last report that I could negotiate my current salary. It is important to have those standards and you are creating them."

On Resilience & Progress

"I was laid off last year... but because I was constantly raising awareness, stakeholders helped me get a job back quite fast. Even when we feel that it's hard to have a greater impact, the value is perceived and appreciated. A note of hope for people being laid off this year."

"I have just been made head of a service design division that I have been actively advocating for for over 5 years. It is a slow burn, but we’re getting there."

On Community & Connection

"The Service Design Salary Report is a great resource... But it also reminds me how uneven the playing field still is. Being based in Australia, I often feel a bit outside the global conversation... If we want Service Design to thrive, we need to show up, speak up, and create the space for it to shine. Locally. Globally. Together."

"Thank you for driving this initiative... really helpful to have an insight into our at times blurry discipline."