UX Designer Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $28.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Scarborough, ME runs $28.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,383 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,634 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Scarborough, Maine, the projected median hourly pay for a UX designer stands at $28.55, which is significantly lower than the national median of $40.06. This rate reflects both the cost of living in the area and the local market dynamics for tech talent. For those working part-time or as per-diem designers, this hourly wage can translate into various work arrangements, whether it's in collaborative studio environments or remote Figma sessions. Entry-level designers might earn as low as $16.56 per hour, while some seasoned professionals could see their earnings peak at $44.26 as they navigate design studios or agency landscapes. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary figures and highlight the potential financial trajectories for UX designers in the local job market.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($88,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.56 | $132.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.39 | $171.08 |
| Median (P50) | $28.55 | $228.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.54 | $292.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.26 | $354.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough
Based on $28.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.55/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $59,390 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,264. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scarborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.12 | $4,949 | $59,390 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.27 | $2,970 | $35,634 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.85 | $1,980 | $23,756 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Scarborough) | $28.55 |
| 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 Scarborough, ME earn a median of $59,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.73% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $62,247.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.55/hr = $35,634/year (purchasing power: $35,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,390/year (purchasing power: $59,629).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.55/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Scarborough (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Scarborough grew 30.2% from $20.53/hr (2021) to $26.73/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.50/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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough
Taking a closer look at part-time roles, a UX designer working three days a week, equating to about 24 hours, would realize considerably less income annually compared to a full-time position. Typically, freelance or per-diem UX designers in Scarborough might charge anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour, with more experienced product designers billing between $125 and $250. At the higher end of the spectrum, senior design consultants can command $200 to $400 per hour. Factors like employer type play a significant role in hourly rates, with design roles in large tech companies likely offering different compensation than roles in boutique agencies or startups. Designers may face a trade-off between accepting lower pay for the benefits of job security or pursuing higher pay without benefits as freelancers. For those negotiating hourly rates, being aware of typical local benchmarks and emphasizing specialized skills can be key strategies to maximize earning potential in Scarborough's design economy.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough 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