UX Designer Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $37.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Fairbanks, AK runs $37.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,472 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the projected hourly pay for a UX designer is set at $37.24, which represents a slight disparity compared to the national median of $40.06. This means that designers in the Fairbanks area face a unique hourly landscape, suitable for both part-time and freelance opportunities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the pay can be quite competitive in local design studios, agencies, or even remote settings using collaborative tools like Figma. Within the broader hourly range, starting designers can expect to earn around $21.60 per hour, while top earners might command as much as $57.71. Such fluctuations reflect the diverse environments in which UX designers operate, bridging the gap between traditional workplaces and more flexible remote options.
About the Fairbanks 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) | $21.60 | $172.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.81 | $214.49 |
| Median (P50) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.66 | $381.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.71 | $461.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $37.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.24/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $77,454 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,685. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.50 | $6,454 | $77,454 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.70 | $3,873 | $46,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.80 | $2,582 | $30,982 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Fairbanks) | $37.24 |
| 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 Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $77,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.05% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $78,073.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.24/hr = $46,472/year (purchasing power: $43,801).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,454/year (purchasing power: $73,001).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.24/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Fairbanks (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Fairbanks grew 30.2% from $26.78/hr (2021) to $34.86/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.78/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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Considering part-time roles, a UX designer working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $46,295 annually, in contrast to a full-time position. This salary structure opens up a variety of opportunities, particularly in per-diem or contract roles where rates can escalate significantly, with many per-diem UX designers billing between $75 and $150 per hour. Furthermore, experienced product designers may earn between $125 and $250, while senior consultants can demand up to $400 per hour. Employers differ in their pay structures; tech giants typically offer lower base rates with additional stock options, while agencies often pay more for project variety. Benefit packages versus higher pay without additional perks create choices that impact hourly rates. Negotiation strategies in Fairbanks should emphasize skill sets and the value freelancers add, especially in niche design services.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Alaska
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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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