UX Designer Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $29.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Tempe, AZ runs $29.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,087 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, the hourly pay for UX designers is projected to reach a median of $29.72 in 2026, placing it significantly lower than the national median of $40.06. This rate provides insight for part-time professionals who might work three days a week, indicating a potential annual income of around $46,204 if they maintain a schedule of 24 hours weekly. The hourly pay range in Tempe spans from $17.24 for entry-level positions to as high as $46.06 for top earners, making it essential for aspiring designers to understand where they might fit within this spectrum. Work environments vary from tech company design studios, agency floors, and collaborative remote setups using Figma, to freelance arrangements at coworking spaces, all of which contribute to the kind of pay UX designers can expect for their skills.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($99,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.24 | $137.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.40 | $171.17 |
| Median (P50) | $29.72 | $237.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.04 | $304.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.06 | $368.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $29.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.72/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $61,812 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,661. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,188.69 | $5,151 | $61,812 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.22 | $3,091 | $37,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.48 | $2,060 | $24,725 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Tempe) | $29.72 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $61,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.81% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $61,566.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.72/hr = $37,087/year (purchasing power: $37,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,812/year (purchasing power: $62,753).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$21.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.72/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Tempe (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Tempe grew 30.2% from $21.37/hr (2021) to $27.82/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.74/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
For part-time designers working in Tempe, the annual take-home can be quite competitive compared to full-time salaries. While the typical profession can finance a comfortable lifestyle, per-diem UX designers in the area often secure contracts that allow them to charge rates ranging from $75 to $150 per hour, providing an attractive alternative for experienced workers. More seasoned professionals may find themselves billing upwards of $200 to $400 per hour at boutique consulting firms. The variation in hourly rates often stems from employer type; prominent tech companies frequently offer robust salaries and benefits, while agencies may lean toward lower base rates but provide diverse project opportunities. Designers must weigh the benefits of steady employment, including health insurance and job security, against the allure of higher hourly rates without such perks. Negotiation skills are crucial in this fluid job market; understanding the local demand and crafting compelling cases for higher pay can significantly enhance overall earnings in the Tempe design sector.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Tempe in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Tempe?
Are ux designers in Tempe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Tempe?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Tempe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Tempe. 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 Tempe 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