Key Indicators Predict Job Growth in Accessibility and UX Design in 2025

My prediction: jobs in web and UX design will likely increase in 2025 as a result of new accessibility laws and regulations.

Increased Regulatory Compliance Needs:

• New laws, like the European Accessibility Act (EAA), require compliance with accessibility standards across the EU by June 2025. In the U.S. the Department of Justice (DOJ) has determined new accessibility rules for state and local government websites. These laws will compel organizations to ensure their digital products meet the requirements.
• To meet these laws, companies will need to bring in UX designers, accessibility experts, and developers who know how to create digital experiences that everyone can use.

Broader Awareness and Adoption of Accessibility Standards:

• With more countries passing accessibility laws, organizations will be forced to see the need for accessible design. More resources will continue to be allocated to ensuring digital products are inclusive. I believe that this can only create more job opportunities in this field.

Growth in Digital Transformation Initiatives:

• Many organizations are undergoing digital transformation. This often includes redesigning websites, apps, and other digital platforms to meet modern, accessible standards. As part of these initiatives, UX design roles that focus on accessibility are becoming more indispensable.

Competitive Advantage:

• Businesses that prioritize accessibility can gain a competitive edge. They can reach a wider audience globally. Including, as Tregg Frank mentions in his Config 2024 talk, “a market the size of China” — the 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities. This market potential will continue to incentivize companies to invest in skilled UX designers and accessibility experts.

Legal and Financial Risks:

• The risk of lawsuits and fines for not following accessibility laws is another factor driving demand for experts in digital accessibility. Companies want to reduce these risks. So, they are hiring experts in UX design and accessibility.

Job Market Trends

• Job postings for UX designers that require accessibility skills will rise as companies seek to meet new regulations.
• There will likely be a rise in specialized roles. These include Accessibility Consultants, Digital Accessibility Engineers, and Inclusive Design Specialists.
• Existing UX professionals may want to upskill in accessibility. This is to stay competitive in the job market, which should lead to more training opportunities in this area.

New accessibility regulations will likely boost demand for UX design jobs in 2025 because organizations must comply with these laws.

Companies need experts to create accessible, inclusive digital experiences, and these must meet legal standards and serve a diverse audience.

I think all of this shows that we will see an increase in UX and Accessibility-related jobs in the design and development world in 2025. What do you think?

I’m Maigen Thomas and I’m on a mission to empower 1,000 early-career designers and other digital technologists with the skills and tools they need to increase their socio-economic status.

I’m the Founder of Level 11 Technology, an Apprenticeship Agency. I bring 10+ years of experience in enterprise software SaaS product design and a background in full-stack development to her UX and Gamification Design Consulting. I taught 3 cohorts of the UX/UI Design Bootcamp at UC Berkeley and wrote the $1m flagship UX/UI Design curriculum. Follow me on LinkedIn or join the MaigenUX Patreon for exclusive access to quests (with cash prizes!), professional mentorship and motivation, and Accessibility and Usability learning content.