UX Designer Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $26.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Waterloo, IA runs $26.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,979 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,981 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterloo, Iowa, the current UX designer hourly pay is projected at $26.43, significantly lower than the national median of $40.06 per hour. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to approximately $26,000 annually, offering flexibility for those balancing multiple commitments or pursuing freelance opportunities. The hourly rate can vary widely; entry-level positions may start around $15.33 per hour, while top-tier professionals could see rates as high as $40.97. Many UX designers in Waterloo operate in environments typical of the industry, such as collaborative tech studios with Figma, agency creative spaces, and remote settings, which support the need for highly adaptable design practices.
About the Waterloo Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.33 | $122.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.04 | $152.28 |
| Median (P50) | $26.43 | $211.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.83 | $270.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.97 | $327.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
Based on $26.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.43/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterloo, IA can expect to earn approximately $54,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,713. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,057.09 | $4,581 | $54,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.25 | $2,748 | $32,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.84 | $1,832 | $21,987 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Waterloo) | $26.43 |
| 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 Waterloo, IA earn a median of $54,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.01% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $56,505.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.43/hr = $32,981/year (purchasing power: $36,484).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,969/year (purchasing power: $60,806).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.43/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-1.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Waterloo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Waterloo grew -14.0% from $28.76/hr (2021) to $24.74/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.23/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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo
Exploring the nuances of hourly pay, a part-time UX designer in Waterloo who works 24 hours a week can earn a modest income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem and contract roles present substantial earning potential, with rates often ranging from $75 to $150 per hour for those with expertise in product design. Senior consultants can command up to $400 an hour at boutique agencies. Differences in pay across various employing entities highlight this dynamic. UX designers at tech giants or established product agencies typically earn more than those in in-house teams or startups but may trade off a higher hourly rate for stability and benefits. Negotiating effectively means being aware of not just the prevailing rates but also the type of work arrangement best suits personal and professional goals in Waterloo's evolving market.
More salary data for Waterloo, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Waterloo in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Waterloo?
Are ux designers in Waterloo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Waterloo?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Waterloo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Waterloo. 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 Waterloo 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