5 Augmented Reality Careers

Key takeaways

Augmented reality (AR) places digital information in real-world environments using sound, visual elements, and sensory enhancements.

• Statista projects that the AR and virtual reality (VR) market will grow by 10.27 percent annually between 2026 and 2031, with an estimated market value of $75.9 billion in 2031 [1]. 

• Careers in AR include XR developer, XR designer, AR project manager, AR technician, and AR engineer.

• You can prepare for a role in augmented reality by learning programming languages and studying machine learning and user interface design.

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. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the underlying concepts, enabling technologies, and key applications for all things XR. Upon completion, you’ll have developed in-depth knowledge that can prepare you for an AR career.

What is augmented reality? + Augmented reality jobs

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.

All salary information represents the median total pay, as reported by Glassdoor, as of January 2026. These figures include both base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other forms of compensation.

1. XR developer

Median total pay (US): $113,000 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth between 2024 and 2034): 15 percent [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. 

Read more: Mobile App Development: Quick Start Guide

2. XR designer

Median total pay (US): $81,000 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth between 2024 and 2034): 7 percent [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

Median total pay (US): $107,000 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth between 2024 and 2034): 7 percent [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. 

Is augmented reality a good career?

Augmented reality and virtual reality are rapidly expanding industries, and as such, the number of job opportunities in the field will likely continue to grow. Statista projects worldwide revenue in the AR and VR markets to reach $75.9 billion in 2031, with an annual growth rate of 10.27 percent [1]. 

4. AR technician 

Median total pay (US): $54,000 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth between 2024 and 2034): 50,500 job openings [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, is helpful. 

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 engineer

Median total pay (US): $137,000 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth between 2024 and 2034): 15 percent [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. 

How to start a career in 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

Find resources for careers in augmented reality 

Stay up-to-date with changes and trends in AR by subscribing to Career Chat, our LinkedIn newsletter. You can also access these resources for even more insight:

• Build your knowledge: Virtual Reality (VR) Terms: A to Z Glossary 

• Consider your options: 6 Machine Learning Certificates + How to Choose the Right One for You 

• Watch on YouTube: 10 Beginner Python Projects to Boost Your Programming Skills

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