UX Designer Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $38.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Honolulu, HI runs $38.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,328 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, the projected median hourly pay for UX designers in 2026 is $38.13, which reflects a slightly lower rate compared to the national median of $40.06. This hourly rate can accommodate various work styles, including part-time opportunities for designers who may choose to work three days a week, which could be particularly appealing in the vibrant local tech scene. The hourly range for UX designers in HI extends from about $22.12 for entry-level positions to $59.11 for top earners. These estimates are derived from annual salary predictions, highlighting the diverse range of compensation available across different types of employment settings, which may include tech company design studios, agency creative environments, and freelance collaboratives.
About the Honolulu 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) | $22.12 | $176.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.46 | $219.71 |
| Median (P50) | $38.13 | $305.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.82 | $390.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.11 | $472.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $38.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.13/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $79,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,762. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,525.39 | $6,610 | $79,320 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.23 | $3,966 | $47,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.16 | $2,644 | $31,728 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Honolulu) | $38.13 |
| 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 Honolulu, HI earn a median of $79,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $74,556.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.13/hr = $47,592/year (purchasing power: $39,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,320/year (purchasing power: $66,488).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$27.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.13/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Honolulu (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Honolulu grew 30.2% from $27.42/hr (2021) to $35.70/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.74/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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu
Exploring the earning potential for part-time UX designers reveals that working 24 hours per week could result in an annual take-home much lower than full-time designers, yet still offers flexibility and the chance to manage multiple projects. Many per-diem contractors in this field can command higher hourly rates, often billing anywhere from $75 to $150 for their services, with seasoned product designers and senior consultants earning even more, depending on their experience and client needs. Positions within large tech firms like FAANG companies may provide more stable monthly rates but require navigating the corporate climate, while agency jobs present varied project landscapes but often offer lower pay. It's crucial for designers in Honolulu to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and stable roles that include health plans. Negotiating effectively is key; knowing the market rates, articulating your unique skills, and understanding the demand for UX expertise in the local context can significantly impact your hourly rate.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Honolulu?
Are ux designers in Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Honolulu?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Honolulu?
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 Honolulu. 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 Honolulu 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