UX Designer Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $37.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Aurora, CO runs $37.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,232 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for a UX designer in Aurora, Colorado, is projected to be $37.05, which falls slightly below the national median of $40.06. This figure suggests that part-time UX designers, working three days a week, could expect to earn a well-rounded income while maintaining a favorable work-life balance in a dynamic field. For those in per-diem roles, whether in agency settings or freelance situations, the typical range spans from $21.48 at the entry level to as high as $57.42 for experienced professionals. Design environments like tech company studios, creative agencies, and remote design pods foster collaboration and creativity, making this hourly rate attractive for those who thrive in fast-paced, engaging settings.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($122,500) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.48 | $171.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.67 | $213.38 |
| Median (P50) | $37.05 | $296.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.42 | $379.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.42 | $459.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $37.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.05/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $77,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,454. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,481.81 | $6,421 | $77,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $889.08 | $3,853 | $46,232 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $592.72 | $2,568 | $30,822 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Aurora) | $37.05 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $77,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.53% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 17.40% above the Colorado state average of $65,628.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.05/hr = $46,232/year (purchasing power: $44,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,054/year (purchasing power: $73,385).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$26.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Aurora (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Aurora grew 30.2% from $26.64/hr (2021) to $34.68/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.57/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
Hourly compensation for UX designers in Aurora can vary significantly based on their employer's type, project demands, and their specific skill set. A UX designer who works part-time, say 24 hours a week, would take home about $45,978 annually, considerably less than what full-time designers might expect. Meanwhile, per-diem rates are notably higher, with contract UX designers billing anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour, and senior designers often commanding between $200 and $400 per hour. The choice between a higher hourly wage without benefits and a lower rate with health insurance is crucial in this market. Designers should carefully evaluate their personal circumstances when negotiating rates, factoring in their experience levels and the scope of projects, particularly in the competitive environment of Aurora. This requires a strategy that aligns their expertise, industry standards, and personal needs to maximize their earning potential effectively.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Aurora?
Are ux designers in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Aurora?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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