UX Designer Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $41.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Fullerton, CA runs $41.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
UX designers in Fullerton, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $41.54, which is notably higher than the national median rate of $40.06. This competitive hourly rate opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers within dynamic environments such as tech design studios, agency settings, and hybrid remote collaborations using tools like Figma. Entry-level positions may start at around $24.10 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $64.39, reflecting the growing demand for UX expertise in the area. The diverse work environments—from freelancing in coworking spaces to collaborating within large corporations—allow designers to fit work into their lifestyles whether they prefer a steady part-time schedule or more flexible arrangement.
About the Fullerton 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) | $24.10 | $192.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.91 | $239.28 |
| Median (P50) | $41.54 | $332.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.17 | $425.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.39 | $515.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $41.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.54/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,851. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.69 | $7,201 | $86,408 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $997.02 | $4,320 | $51,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.68 | $2,880 | $34,563 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Fullerton) | $41.54 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $86,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.70% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 2.70% above the California state average of $84,134.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.54/hr = $51,845/year (purchasing power: $45,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,408/year (purchasing power: $76,400).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$29.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.54/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Fullerton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Fullerton grew 30.2% from $29.87/hr (2021) to $38.89/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.38/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
When considering a part-time UX designer working three days a week (approximately 24 hours), earnings can be significant; however, it is essential to reflect on how this income differs from full-time employment. Freelance or per-diem UX designers often encounter varied pay rates, billing anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour for project-based work, while experienced product designers might earn as much as $250 per hour. Fullerton's tech companies and design agencies typically offer different compensation levels, which influences decision-making among UX professionals. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance in more stable roles, others might prefer higher rates associated with freelance work. Those negotiating their hourly pay in Fullerton should focus on their unique expertise in areas like design systems or UX research to capitalize on the growing market demand while assessing the trade-offs between project variety and stable earnings.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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