UX/UI Designer Salary Guide 2026
Designers with AI-tool proficiency command top of range.
National Median: $119,000
Range: $79K – $146K
3-Year Growth Trend: +5.5% · Source: Built In; Robert Half
Avg Total Comp
$121,000
Experience Level
Entertainment tech focus in LA; AI-tool proficiency commands top of range nationally.
Subscribe to the newsletter to view Average Total Comp & Experience Insights
High Demand Track
Market demand for UX/UI Designer is at an all-time high. Join the Vetta Marketplace to access verified offers from employers hiring at these benchmarks.
Metro Area Breakdown
20 Markets| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA | $160,650 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA | $158,270 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City NY-NJ-PA | $147,560 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton MA-NH | $145,180 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue WA | $142,800 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV | $142,800 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim CA | $142,896 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad CA | $136,850 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin IL-IN-WI | $130,900 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood CO | $128,520 |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown TX | $124,950 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington TX | $124,950 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta GA | $122,570 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach FL | $121,380 |
| Raleigh-Durham-Cary NC | $119,000 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI | $116,620 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia NC-SC | $116,620 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler AZ | $115,430 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MI | $114,240 |
| Salt Lake City UT | $113,050 |
"Calculated" benchmarks are derived from the national median using verified geographic cost-of-living multipliers. "Verified" entries are sourced directly from Built In; Robert Half.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a UX/UI Designer in 2026?
The national median salary for a UX/UI Designer in 2026 is $119,000. Base salaries range from $79K to $146K depending on experience level and location.
Which city pays UX/UI Designers the most?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA offers the highest median salary for UX/UI Designers at $160,650. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley CA is a close second at $158,270.
How fast are UX/UI Designer salaries growing?
UX/UI Designer salaries have grown at 5.5% over the past three years, making it a stable-growth role. Designers with AI-tool proficiency command top of range.
What is the salary range for an entry-level UX/UI Designer?
Entry-level UX/UI Designer salaries start around $79K annually at the national level. Tier 1 cities like San Francisco and New York start 20–35% higher. Specialization in AI and cloud-adjacent skills accelerates entry compensation.
What total compensation should a UX/UI Designer expect?
Subscribe to the Vetta newsletter to access average total compensation data including equity and bonus breakdowns for UX/UI Designer roles across all 20 metro areas.