UI Designer Salary Guide
UI designers play a crucial role in creating visually appealing and intuitive interfaces for digital products. This guide provides comprehensive information about UI designer salaries across different experience levels, industries, and company sizes.
EXPERIENCE
Average UI Designer salaries by experience
Entry-level(0-2 years)
- Salary range (per year)
$45,000 - $70,000 - Average (per year)
$57,500
- Salary range (per year)
Mid-level(3-5 years)
- Salary range (per year)
$70,000 - $100,000 - Average (per year)
$85,000
- Salary range (per year)
Senior(6+ years)
- Salary range (per year)
$100,000 - $140,000+ - Average (per year)
$120,000
- Salary range (per year)
Industry-specific salary variations
UI designer salaries can vary significantly across industries.
💾 Technology
- — Salary range: $60,000 - $130,000+
- — Often offers competitive salaries and opportunities to work on innovative products
📣 Advertising and Marketing
- — Salary range: $55,000 - $120,000
- — Values creative UI design for brand experiences
🎮 Gaming
- — Salary range: $65,000 - $140,000
- — Focuses on engaging and immersive user interfaces
🛍️ E-commerce
- — Salary range: $60,000 - $125,000
- — Emphasizes conversion-oriented design
Salaries by company size
Company size can significantly impact UI designer salaries.
Startups (< 50 employees)
- — Salary range: $50,000 - $90,000
- — Often offer equity compensation
Mid-size companies (50-500 employees)
- — Salary range: $65,000 - $110,000
- — Balance between stability and growth opportunities
Large corporations (500+ employees)
- — Salary range: $75,000 - $140,000+
- — Often offer comprehensive benefits packages
Hourly Rates
While most full-time positions offer annual salaries, freelance or contract UI designers often work at hourly rates.
Junior
$40 - $70
UI Designer
per hourMid-level
$70 - $100
UI Designer
per hourSenior
$100 - $150+
UI Designer
per hour
Factors affecting UI designer salaries
Several factors can influence a UI designer's salary.
- — Location: Salaries are often higher in major design and tech hubs
- — Education: Degrees in graphic design or related fields can be beneficial
- — Skills: Proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma
- — Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing aesthetic skills and design thinking
- — Specialization: Expertise in areas like motion design or design systems
Negotiating your salary
When negotiating your UI designer salary.
- ● Research industry standards for your location and experience level
- ● Highlight your unique skills and impactful projects from your portfolio
- ● Consider the entire compensation package, including benefits and opportunities for creative growth
- ● Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations confidently
UI designer salaries vary widely based on experience, industry, location, and company size. As you progress in your career, focus on honing your visual design skills, staying updated with design trends and tools, and building a strong portfolio to maximize your earning potential.
Remember, these figures are general guidelines. Always research current market rates in your specific location and industry when negotiating salaries or rates.