Salary Data
UX Designer Salary in Los Angeles
$124,000
median salary, 18% above the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average UX Designer salary in Los Angeles is $124,000. Salaries range from $94,000 (25th percentile) to $159,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living.
Salary range
How Los Angeles compares
Los Angeles, CA
$124,000
Cost of living: 18% above average
National Average
$105,000
Los Angeles is $19,000 above
UX Designer job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles market overview
Los Angeles blends a thriving entertainment industry with a growing tech and startup ecosystem, often called Silicon Beach. The city's diverse economy spans aerospace, healthcare, fashion, and gaming. LA offers strong salaries that, while below San Francisco levels, pair with a broader lifestyle appeal and lower housing costs relative to the Bay Area.
What drives UX Designer salaries
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.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
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.
Tax considerations in Los Angeles
California's 13.3% top state income tax rate applies to LA earners as well. There is no city income tax, but the high state rate makes take home pay lower than cities in no income tax states.
Career progression
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.
Top industries in Los Angeles
Negotiating in Los Angeles
Highlight cross industry skills. LA employers value candidates who bridge entertainment and tech, so framing your experience across verticals can unlock higher offers.