Salary Data
UX Designer Salary in Nashville
$105,000
median salary, at the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average UX Designer salary in Nashville is $105,000. Salaries range from $80,000 (25th percentile) to $135,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Nashville's cost of living.
Salary range
How Nashville compares
Nashville, TN
$105,000
Cost of living: at average
National Average
$105,000
Same as local rate
UX Designer job market in Nashville
Nashville market overview
Nashville has diversified well beyond music into healthcare, finance, and technology. The city is home to HCA Healthcare and a growing corridor of health tech startups. Nashville's moderate cost of living, combined with Tennessee's lack of state income tax on wages, makes it increasingly popular for corporate relocations and remote workers.
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 Nashville
Tennessee has no state income tax on wages or salaries. This gives Nashville workers a meaningful take home advantage over peers in states with 5 to 10% income tax rates.
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 Nashville
Negotiating in Nashville
Use the healthcare industry concentration as leverage. Nashville healthcare employers are accustomed to national pay scales and will often match or beat coastal health sector offers.