5 Augmented Reality Careers

The experts at Mordor Intelligence expect the extended reality (XR) industry to grow by 35 percent between 2023 and 2028, giving it a global market value of $472 billion by 2028 [1]. With that kind of growth, roles in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), which fall under the umbrella of XR, can be a lucrative career choice.

Within the field of AR, you’ll find jobs in various industries, including education, health care, travel, automotive, retail, and marketing. Learn more about augmented reality careers, including requirements and salaries. If you're interested in building important skills for this line of work, consider enrolling in the University of Michigan's Extended Reality for Everybody Specialization, where you'll learn about the underlying concepts enabling technologies and key applications for all things XR.

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Extended Reality for Everybody

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Skills you'll build:

Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Extended Reality (XR), development, Research and Design, Computer Programming, Design, Virtual reality (VR), Human Computer Interaction, Design and Product, User Experience, Augmented reality (AR), Unity, WebXR, Unreal, Mixed Reality (MR), User Experience Design (UXD)

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) integrates the virtual and physical worlds by allowing users to experience an enhanced version of their physical space through digital elements such as sound, visuals, and sensory additions. An example of this might be consumer apps allowing customers to see how an item of furniture looks in their own sitting room. 

AR technology and VR technology are often combined and used together, both coming together under the broader umbrella of XR, but they are different. Where AR adds digital elements to our physical world, VR is a complete immersion into a virtual world using a VR headset or similar equipment. 

Let’s take a look at some possible augmented careers and the requirements for entry.

1. XR developer

Average annual US salary: $109,028 [2]

Job outlook: 25 percent annual growth [3]

Requirements: Employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering, programming, and application development, along with XR skills, project management skills, and relevant experience.

XR developers are software developers with specific skills in AR and VR. They may specialize in app development, game development, or web development using AR and VR, working in a developer role but in a virtual environment, creating immersive experiences. Like other software development roles, they design and develop software and work on debugging and upgrades alongside a team of programmers to meet a company's needs. 

specialization

Extended Reality for Everybody

4.7

(428 ratings)

16,218 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 2 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Extended Reality (XR), development, Research and Design, Computer Programming, Design, Virtual reality (VR), Human Computer Interaction, Design and Product, User Experience, Augmented reality (AR), Unity, WebXR, Unreal, Mixed Reality (MR), User Experience Design (UXD)

2. XR designer

Average annual US salary: $71,789 [4]

Job outlook: 16 percent annual growth [5]

Requirements: Excellent programming experience, skills in AR and VR, and a bachelor’s degree with a relevant major such as computer science. 

XR designers are responsible for how an experience comes together by testing features and usability, making changes as needed, and making sure games, apps, and websites work seamlessly regarding navigation, interface, and interaction with the features of AR and VR. 

3. AR Project manager

Average annual US salary: $92,322 [6]

Job outlook: 16 percent annual growth [5]

Requirements: A technology background with experience in AR/XR and a degree in computer science or similar. 

AR project managers work in the AR and XR space, looking after the development process of digital products and projects using AR technology from idea to delivery, covering the entire project management lifecycle. AR project managers often worked as developers or engineers before taking on some management experience. 

Read more: 5 Augmented Reality Careers

4. AR technician 

Average annual US salary: $49,474 [7]

Job outlook: 5 percent annual growth [8]

Requirements: A degree in a technical field is useful but not essential. Having relevant technical skills and workplace skills like problem-solving and communication. 

Support technicians work on troubleshooting IT issues, assist users, and undertake repairs. AR technicians work specifically with AR technology. An increasing number of organizations use AR to offer customer support services and enhance staff training. AR allows people to train in real-world settings and in the field without leaving their desks. AR support technicians are on hand to sort out any issues. 

5. AR/VR Engineer

Average annual US salary: $139,341 [9]

Job outlook: 25 percent annual growth [3]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant major, such as computer science, programming, and technical experience, with skills in XR. 

AR/VR engineers write, maintain, test, and debug software using various programming languages. The software AR/VR engineers use XR tools and hardware to create XR experiences in video games, products, and entertainment, as well as in various industries, including health care and marketing. 

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Virtual Reality

Start your journey in Virtual Reality. Develop your knowledge and create your own VR application.

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Interactive Design, Critical Thinking, Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality, Human Learning, Graphic Design, Human Computer Interaction, 3d computer graphics, Virtual World, Interaction Design, User Experience, Computer Graphic Techniques

How to get into the field of augmented reality

The field of AR and VR is growing steadily, and extended reality careers are an exciting prospect. However, how to approach this depends on the area you are looking to enter. Building your technical skills within your specialism is an excellent start. If you want to work as a VR engineer, you’ll learn skills different from those of a VR project manager.

However, what is clear is that for any XR role, you want to build your AR, VR, and XR skills, knowledge, and experience with XR tools. Many employers prefer someone with a bachelor’s degree for the abovementioned roles. However, it is possible to enter the field through entry-level roles, and it is also useful to work towards relevant certifications, training, and self-study to build experience. 

AR skills

To work in AR, as well as the skills specific to the role you’re applying for, you need to build your technical skills in relation to AR, VR, and XR. You’ll also need various workplace skills, including customer service and problem-solving. 

AR skills to master include:

• VR and AR software development

• C++

• Spatial modeling

• UX design

• Machine learning

• User interface design

• Programming

• Version control

• 3D programming

• Unity

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Machine Learning

#BreakIntoAI with Machine Learning Specialization. Master fundamental AI concepts and develop practical machine learning skills in the beginner-friendly, 3-course program by AI visionary Andrew Ng

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Algorithms, Artificial Neural Network, Mathematics, Human Learning, Linear Regression, Machine Learning, Network Architecture, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Critical Thinking, Recommender Systems, Network Model, Regression, Decision Trees, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Logistic Regression, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Ethics, Performance Tuning, Tree Ensembles, Supervised Learning, Regression Analysis, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Decision Tree Learning, Advice for Model Development, Tensorflow, Random Forest Algorithm, Xgboost, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data-Driven Decision-Making, NumPy, Logistic Regression for Classification, Artificial Intelligence, Unsupervised Learning, Jupyter, Predictive Modeling, Regularization to Avoid Overfitting, Feature Engineering, Statistical Modeling, Gradient Descent, Collaborative Filtering, Anomaly Detection, Reinforcement Learning, Dimensionality Reduction

Build important XR, AR, and VR skills on Coursera

If you’re interested in augmented reality careers, consider starting your professional journey by taking online courses to build your skills and enhance your resume. Learn how to design and develop your own XR applications with the University of Michigan's Extended Reality For All Specialization.

specialization

Extended Reality for Everybody

4.7

(428 ratings)

16,218 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 2 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Extended Reality (XR), development, Research and Design, Computer Programming, Design, Virtual reality (VR), Human Computer Interaction, Design and Product, User Experience, Augmented reality (AR), Unity, WebXR, Unreal, Mixed Reality (MR), User Experience Design (UXD)