Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Brick, NJ: $42,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Brick, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,048 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brick's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,500 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,497) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the UX design field in Brick, New Jersey, the starting expectations are pivotal when considering their career trajectory. In 2026, entry-level positions may begin at around $42,048 annually, which is significantly below the median salary of $72,497 for the industry in the area. As entry-level UX designers gain experience, many can expect to navigate through salary bands—moving from $42,048 at the 10th percentile to approximately $52,198 at the 25th percentile—before reaching the median in about three to five years. This growth trajectory, particularly as Brick is positioned within a competitive, albeit evolving market, shows promise. The projected annual growth rate of 6.82% over the next several years indicates that new grads can find opportunities not only within established companies but also in emerging tech firms looking for fresh talent who can bring innovative perspectives.
About the Brick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($96,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brick
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 Brick
Entry-level ux designers in Brick, NJ typically start between $42,048 and $52,198 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,321 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,497 — 12.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in New Jersey of $90,000 represents just 214.04% of the starting ux designer pay ($42,048/year) in Brick. 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 Brick
- 1Research the Brick market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $42,048 to $52,198, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brick, 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 Brick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Brick's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
UX Designer Compensation Range
The ux designer wage spread in Brick is $70,321 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,048, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,369.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,232
2025 BLS Actual
$39,363
2026 Current Est.
$42,048
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Brick (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,306 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,915 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Brick, NJ grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,232 in 2021 to $39,363 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,915. New graduates entering the Brick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brick 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 Brick
Employers hiring new graduates in Brick include both tech-centric firms and local design agencies, creating a broad spectrum of opportunities. FAANG companies and other major tech firms often recruit talent through internship programs, offering pipelines to full-time positions. Additionally, digital design agencies may focus on robust portfolio reviews and practical experience to bring on junior talent. Improving credentials is essential; while a Bachelor’s degree in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field is beneficial, a strong portfolio showcasing proficiency with tools like Figma can often outweigh formal education. In the early years of a UX design career, one must be strategic—aiming for diverse projects can enrich experience, especially in a job market that was recently impacted by layoffs. In this environment, realistic salary growth during the first years could see professionals moving towards more competitive rates, but this often hinges on their specialization, whether in design systems or an agency model offering a wider project scope.
More salary data for Brick, NJ:
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 Brick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brick 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