UX Designer Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $37.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Denver, CO runs $37.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,778 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,259 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, the ux designer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $37.87 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $40.06. This rate reflects both the competitive and evolving landscape of ux design within the city. Part-time and per-diem workers, often employed at tech company design studios or agency creative floors, can benefit significantly from this wage. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week translates to around 24 hours, allowing these designers to earn approximately $1,500 weekly at the median rate. Entry-level positions may start at around $23.22 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $63.47, showcasing a range of opportunities within this thriving sector. All figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.22 | $185.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.64 | $293.11 |
| Median (P50) | $37.87 | $302.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.80 | $406.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.47 | $507.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $37.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.87/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $78,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,441. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,514.71 | $6,564 | $78,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $908.82 | $3,938 | $47,259 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.88 | $2,625 | $31,506 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Denver) | $37.87 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $78,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 20.10% above the Colorado state average of $65,593.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.87/hr = $47,259/year (purchasing power: $44,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,765/year (purchasing power: $74,460).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$29.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.87/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Denver (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Denver grew 19.6% from $29.64/hr (2021) to $35.45/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.45/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 Denver 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 Denver
Analyzing the dynamic potential of ux designers in the local job market provides insight into multiple pathways for earning. By working three days a week, a designer can expect an annual income of about $78,444, which significantly exceeds some full-time salaries in other sectors. Per-diem or freelance designers, however, frequently charge higher hourly rates, billing anywhere from $75 to $400 depending on their specialization and client. Typically, tech giants like FAANG or established companies might offer lower hourly rates for full-time roles with benefits, while boutique agencies present more flexibility and project diversity. Designers should carefully negotiate their rates by considering their benefits—some may prefer the stability of employment with health insurance, while others may prioritize hourly compensation without benefits. In this vibrant market, understanding the nuances of employer types is essential for maximizing one's earning potential.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
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 Denver. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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