Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Salem, MA: $37,891 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Salem, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,891 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,923 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,329) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates stepping into UX design roles in Salem, Massachusetts, can expect starting salaries that reflect both the local job market and the wider industry trends. The projected entry-level UX designer salary in 2026 is $37,891, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $65,329. Over the first few years of their careers, fresh graduates might anticipate slow but steady salary increases; for example, moving to $47,901 at the 25th percentile and then reaching the median as they gain experience and skills. Given the area’s growing demand for UX designers, especially with a medium growth rate of 6.82%, Salem presents a favorable market for new grads looking to kickstart their careers in design, particularly if they are equipped with relevant skills in tools like Figma and have a robust portfolio.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($115,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Entry-level ux designers in Salem, MA typically start between $37,891 and $47,901 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,369 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,329 — 21.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Massachusetts of $115,000 represents just 303.50% of the starting ux designer pay ($37,891/year) in Salem. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect NASAD-accredited bachelor's programs in graphic design, interaction design, or human-computer interaction. Shorter UX bootcamps ($10k-$20k) are a common alternative entry pathway. SOC 15-1255 (Web and Digital Interface Designers) is the dedicated UX/UI code BLS introduced in 2018 — distinct from 27-1024 (Graphic Designers, $61,300 median) and 15-1254 (Web Developers).
UX Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $37,891 to $47,901, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the user experience design field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salem, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
UX Designer Compensation Range
The ux designer wage spread in Salem is $63,369 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,891, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,260.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$25,441
2025 BLS Actual
$35,472
2026 Current Est.
$37,891
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,444 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,816 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,891 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,475 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, MA grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,441 in 2021 to $35,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,475. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your user experience design Career in Salem
Employers in Salem hiring entry-level UX designers include a variety of tech companies and digital agencies that are keen on tapping into new talent. While larger firms such as FAANG typically seek graduates from elite design programs, local agencies might prioritize strong portfolios over formal education, focusing on real-world project experience. The ideal candidate often holds a Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field and displays competence in essential software tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch. For those looking to boost their starting pay in MA, pursuing a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction from reputable institutions can be advantageous, although gaining hands-on experience through internships or freelance projects remains paramount. In an evolving job market where design specializations are gaining traction, focusing on design systems and interaction design can be beneficial for career advancement, especially as companies shift their focus post-2023 to more efficient and effective workflow strategies. Realistic salary growth in the first three years may vary, but designers can expect to see increases as they transition from junior roles to more substantial positions within their organizations.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new user experience design graduates. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ux designers (SOC 15-1255).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov