UX Designer Hourly Pay in Steamboat Springs, CO: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Steamboat Springs, CO runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Steamboat Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,127 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the ux designer hourly pay reflects a median rate of $29.75. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $40.06, highlighting a regional disparity in compensation for this role. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this can equate to a substantial income, though it remains below national averages. Freelancers and per-diem ux designers typically work in dynamic environments—like tech company design studios or agency floors—where they make up for time lost through project-based work. The hourly pay range in Steamboat Springs spans from $17.25 for entry-level positions to $46.10 for highly experienced professionals, which opens diverse opportunities across various settings including remote collaboration in tools like Figma or localized coworking spaces.
About the Steamboat Springs 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) | $17.25 | $138.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.52 | $180.14 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $237.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.07 | $304.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.10 | $368.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Steamboat Springs
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Steamboat Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $61,879 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,699. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Steamboat Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Steamboat Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,189.97 | $5,157 | $61,879 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.98 | $3,094 | $37,127 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.99 | $2,063 | $24,751 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Steamboat Springs) | $29.75 |
| 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 Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $61,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.74% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $65,612.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,127/year (purchasing power: $35,359).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,879/year (purchasing power: $58,932).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Steamboat Springs (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Steamboat Springs grew 30.2% from $21.39/hr (2021) to $27.85/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.78/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 Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs
Examining the financial prospects for part-time ux designers, working 24 hours a week can offer a different take-home compared to full-time roles, particularly in the context of the local cost of living. While per-diem contractors often charge higher rates, typically ranging from $75 to $150 per hour, established product designers can command even more, up to $250 per hour in some cases. Various employer types substantially influence hourly rates as well; tech giants and established digital product agencies generally offer more competitive pay compared to smaller firms or startups. Many ux designers face a decision between lower payment with benefits, such as health insurance, or higher hourly rates without them. In Steamboat Springs, effective negotiation can focus on leveraging skill sets in design systems and familiarity with tools like Figma to justify pay rates, allowing professionals to carve a niche whether in-house or as freelancers in this evolving market.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Steamboat Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Steamboat Springs?
Are ux designers in Steamboat Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Steamboat Springs?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Steamboat Springs?
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 Steamboat Springs. 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 Steamboat Springs 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