UX Designer Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $35.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Kailua, HI runs $35.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, HI, UX designers can expect a median hourly pay of $35.53, which is lower than the national median of $40.06. This figure reflects the realities of part-time employment, where a designer working three days a week might earn a sustainable income while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The entry-level hourly rate in Kailua starts at around $20.61, moving up to $55.08 for top earners, creating a broad spectrum that showcases earning potential based on experience and specialization. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating that even as a prominent tech hub, Kailua's UX designer hourly rate is somewhat constrained compared to larger markets on the mainland.
About the Kailua 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) | $20.61 | $164.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.58 | $204.67 |
| Median (P50) | $35.53 | $284.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.48 | $363.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.08 | $440.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $35.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.53/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $73,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,634. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,421.13 | $6,158 | $73,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $852.68 | $3,695 | $44,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.45 | $2,463 | $29,560 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Kailua) | $35.53 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $73,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.30% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $74,574.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.53/hr = $44,339/year (purchasing power: $37,166).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,899/year (purchasing power: $61,944).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$25.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.53/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Kailua (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Kailua grew 30.2% from $25.55/hr (2021) to $33.26/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.95/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
When considering part-time work, a UX designer in Kailua could earn approximately $41,059 annually by working 24 hours a week. This contrasts with full-time employees, who naturally see more substantial yearly earnings. For those engaging in per-diem positions or working as contractors, the scenario can shift dramatically, with rates between $75 to $150 per hour for standard UX work, while top-tier consultants command upwards of $400 per hour. This variety stems partly from the diverse employer landscape present in Kailua, where tech giants, digital agencies, and in-house teams may offer different benefits and pay structures. Designers often face a trade-off between steady contracts offering lower hourly rates and freelance gigs that provide higher pay but lack benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing your skills in tools like Figma and your experience with design systems can help secure a more favorable hourly rate, whether you're a full-time employee or a flexible contractor.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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