UX Designer Salary Guide
UX designers are crucial in creating user-centered digital experiences. This guide provides comprehensive information about UX designer salaries across different experience levels, industries, and company sizes.
EXPERIENCE
Average UX designer salaries by experience
Entry-level(0-2 years)
- Salary range (per year)
$55,000 - $80,000 - Average (per year)
$67,500
- Salary range (per year)
Mid-level(3-5 years)
- Salary range (per year)
$80,000 - $115,000 - Average (per year)
$97,500
- Salary range (per year)
Senior(6+ years)
- Salary range (per year)
$115,000 - $170,000+ - Average (per year)
$142,500
- Salary range (per year)
Industry-specific salary variations
UX designer salaries can vary significantly across industries.
💾 Technology
- — Salary range: $75,000 - $160,000+
- — Often offers competitive salaries and cutting-edge projects
💰 Finance
- — Salary range: $85,000 - $170,000+
- — Values UX for complex financial products and services
💊 Healthcare
- — Salary range: $70,000 - $140,000
- — Growing demand for improved patient and provider experiences
🛍️ E-commerce
- — Salary range: $70,000 - $150,000
- — Focuses on optimizing user journeys and conversion rates
Salaries by company size
Company size can significantly impact UX designer salaries.
Startups (< 50 employees)
- — Salary range: $60,000 - $110,000
- — Often offer equity compensation
Mid-size companies (50-500 employees)
- — Salary range: $75,000 - $130,000
- — Balance between stability and growth opportunities
Large corporations (500+ employees)
- — Salary range: $85,000 - $170,000+
- — Often offer comprehensive benefits packages
Hourly Rates
While most full-time positions offer annual salaries, freelance or contract UX designers often work at hourly rates.
Junior
$50 - $80
UX Designer
per hourMid-level
$80 - $110
UX Designer
per hourSenior
$110 - $160+
UX Designer
per hour
Factors affecting UX designer salaries
Several factors can influence a UX designer's salary.
- — Location: Salaries are often higher in major tech hubs
- — Education: Advanced degrees in HCI or related fields can increase earning potential
- — Skills: Proficiency in UX research, information architecture, and prototyping tools
- — Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating problem-solving skills and user-centered design
- — Specialization: Expertise in areas like accessibility or voice user interfaces
Negotiating your salary
When negotiating your UX designer salary.
- ● Research industry standards for your location and experience level
- ● Highlight your unique skills and measurable impact from past projects
- ● Consider the entire compensation package, including benefits and professional development opportunities
- ● Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations confidently
UX designer salaries vary widely based on experience, industry, location, and company size. As you progress in your career, focus on developing a deep understanding of user needs, expanding your research and design skills, and staying current with industry trends 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.