UX Designer Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $34.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Hilo, HI runs $34.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,446 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, UX designers earn a median hourly wage of $34.01. This figure falls below the national hourly median of $40.06, revealing a disparity that could influence job choices for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly rate offers a solid, although not exceptional, income. In typical environments—whether within tech company design studios featuring collaborative Figma sessions, agency creative spaces, or freelance setups—hourly pay reflects the experience and specialization of the designer. Entry-level UX designers can expect around $19.73 per hour, while top earners may achieve rates as high as $52.72. It's essential to understand that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary statistics, placing them within a broader market context.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.73 | $157.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.48 | $195.87 |
| Median (P50) | $34.01 | $272.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.54 | $348.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.72 | $421.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $34.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.01/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $70,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,814. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,360.46 | $5,895 | $70,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $816.28 | $3,537 | $42,446 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $544.18 | $2,358 | $28,298 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Hilo) | $34.01 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $70,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $74,546.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.01/hr = $42,446/year (purchasing power: $35,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,744/year (purchasing power: $59,299).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$24.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.01/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Hilo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Hilo grew 30.2% from $24.46/hr (2021) to $31.84/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.33/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
By working just 24 hours a week, a part-time UX designer in Hilo could take home approximately $43,297 annually, which, while sufficient for a modest lifestyle here, highlights the clear earnings difference when compared to full-time counterparts. For those in contract or per-diem positions, the reality of hourly pay can be significantly higher: billing rates for per-diem UX designers typically range from $75 to $150 per hour, with seasoned professionals in product design commanding rates of $125 to $250. Agencies and high-level consulting firms frequently provide hourly pay that skews higher due to the added value of specialized skills. Moreover, the negotiation landscape in Hilo often sees designers weighing the benefits of lower hourly wages with health insurance against higher rates without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies are critical in Hilo's market, where understanding individual employer needs and being flexible are vital to securing the best possible ux designer hourly pay in HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Hilo?
Are ux designers in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Hilo?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Hilo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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