UX Designer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$105,000
national median salary
$80,000 to $135,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$146,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$110,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$83,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average UX Designer salary in the United States is $105,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $80,000 at the 25th percentile to $135,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $146,000, while Washington DC offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Portfolio quality, user research methodology depth, and ability to quantify design impact on business metrics are key differentiators.
UX Designer salary by city
Skills that increase UX Designer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for UX Designers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $10,500 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$10,500 per year
≈ +$7,350 per year
≈ +$5,250 per year
≈ +$5,250 per year
≈ +$4,200 per year
≈ +$4,200 per year
≈ +$4,200 per year
What you should know
Portfolio quality, user research methodology depth, and ability to quantify design impact on business metrics are key differentiators. Designers who combine visual craft with interaction design and prototyping command higher salaries. Experience with enterprise B2B products or regulated industries like healthcare and finance also drives premiums.
Junior UX designers start at $65,000 to $85,000, advancing to mid level at $95,000 to $120,000 after two to three years. Senior UX designers earn $120,000 to $160,000. Design leads and directors reach $160,000 to $220,000, while VPs of Design at large companies can exceed $300,000 in total comp.
Equity at tech companies adds $10,000 to $60,000 annually. Bonuses range from 5 to 15% of base. Benefits often include design tool subscriptions, conference budgets, and continuing education stipends. Signing bonuses of $10,000 to $25,000 are common at senior levels.