How much does a UX Designer make in 2026?
The national median UX Designer salary is $91,920 per year. UX designers research user needs and design digital products that are easy and enjoyable to use.
UX Designer salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $130,500 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $119,500 | View → |
| New York, NY | $117,700 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $105,700 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $103,000 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $101,100 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $97,400 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $95,600 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $91,000 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $90,100 | View → |
What does a UX Designer do?
UX designers research user needs and design digital products that are easy and enjoyable to use.
- Conduct user research
- Build wireframes and prototypes
- Run usability tests
- Collaborate with engineering
- Define design systems
How to become a UX Designer
A bachelor's in design or HCI is common. Strong portfolio + UX bootcamp completions are widely accepted.
Related job salaries
FAQ — UX Designer salary
What is the average UX Designer salary in the United States?+
The national median UX Designer salary is $91,920 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays UX Designers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $130,500/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level UX Designer make?+
Entry-level UX Designers typically earn around $84,800 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the UX Designer job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth of +8% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a UX Designer?+
A bachelor's in design or HCI is common. Strong portfolio + UX bootcamp completions are widely accepted.
Are you being paid fairly?
Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.
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