UX Designer Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $39.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Anchorage, AK runs $39.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anchorage, Alaska, the projected median hourly pay for UX designers in 2026 is $39.02, slightly below the national median of $40.06. This rate offers a substantial income for designers working in various environments, such as tech company studios, agency creative spaces, and remote collaboration platforms like Figma. For those considering part-time or freelance work, the hourly range stretches from $22.64 on the lower end to $60.48 for top earners. Entry-level designers may find themselves earning the minimum, while those with significant experience can easily command the upper wages. As the industry continues to grow, the opportunities for flexible working arrangements also increase, making the hourly rate an important consideration for potential UX designers in Anchorage.
About the Anchorage Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($73,200) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.64 | $181.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.09 | $224.75 |
| Median (P50) | $39.02 | $312.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.95 | $399.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.48 | $483.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $39.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.02/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $81,164 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,826. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,560.85 | $6,764 | $81,164 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.51 | $4,058 | $48,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.34 | $2,705 | $32,466 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Anchorage) | $39.02 |
| Graphic Designer (National Avg) | $29.14 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.07 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $55.79 |
UX Designers in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $81,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.59% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.90% above the Alaska state average of $78,118.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.02/hr = $48,699/year (purchasing power: $45,899).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,164/year (purchasing power: $76,498).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$29.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.02/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+42.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Anchorage (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Anchorage grew 24.9% from $29.24/hr (2021) to $36.53/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ux designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anchorage 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.
Working as an Hourly UX Designer in Anchorage
Exploring the financial scenarios for part-time UX designers reveals that those committing three days a week can take home a decent income, albeit considerably less than their full-time counterparts. A designer working for 24 hours a week will earn approximately $60,000 annually, reinforcing the appeal of freelance or per diem opportunities. Many contract designers in Anchorage can expect to charge between $75 and $150 per hour, while senior consultants might bill rates as high as $400 per hour. The earning potential varies significantly depending on the employer type; tech giants often provide a stable yet narrower salary, whereas boutique agencies and startups offer varied project scopes but with potentially lower health benefits. For local designers, negotiating an hourly rate often involves weighing the trade-off between higher pay and the security of benefits. It's advised that designers come prepared with a clear understanding of the market rates in Anchorage to better position themselves regardless of whether they're pursuing agency gigs or contract roles.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ux designers in Anchorage. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anchorage 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