UX Designer Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $38.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Brea, CA runs $38.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,805 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, the ux designer hourly pay is projected to be $38.37 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $40.06. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those considering both part-time and per-diem opportunities within the UX field. Part-time UX designers working three days a week may enjoy a balanced work-life schedule while earning a competitive wage, ideal for roles in tech company design studios, agency creative environments, or remote collaborative settings using Figma. The hourly range for ux designers in Brea varies dramatically; entry-level positions may start at around $22.25 per hour, while top-tier professionals can command rates as high as $59.47. These figures reflect the estimated earnings from annual salary data, thereby highlighting the demand and value placed on UX expertise in this growing metropolis.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($142,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.25 | $178.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.62 | $220.99 |
| Median (P50) | $38.37 | $306.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.12 | $392.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.47 | $475.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $38.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.37/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,809 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,044. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,534.79 | $6,651 | $79,809 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $920.87 | $3,990 | $47,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.92 | $2,660 | $31,924 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Brea) | $38.37 |
| 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 Brea, CA earn a median of $79,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.22% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.10% below the California state average of $84,094.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.37/hr = $47,885/year (purchasing power: $42,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,809/year (purchasing power: $70,565).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$27.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.37/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Brea (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Brea grew 30.2% from $27.59/hr (2021) to $35.92/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.99/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 Brea 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 Brea
Considering the allure of part-time roles, a ux designer working 24 hours a week could take home roughly $47,999 annually, a notable difference compared to full-time colleagues. In Brea, per-diem ux designers frequently bill between $75 to $150 per hour, while experienced product designers can achieve rates of $125 to $250. Senior independent consultants at boutique firms might command even steeper fees, ranging from $200 to $400 per hour. Typically, larger tech employers like FAANG companies offer higher hourly wages, but may require tighter specializations, contrasting with the broader scope available in agency settings. For designers in Brea, the trade-off between hourly rates and health benefits is a frequent topic of negotiation; some may prefer more stability over the higher pay that comes without benefits. To navigate these choices effectively, UX designers should be prepared with insights into local pay trends and strategies for negotiating better rates specific to the Brea job market.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
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 Brea. 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 Brea 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