UX Designer Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $31.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Laurel, MD runs $31.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,882 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,927 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, the ux designer hourly pay reaches a median of $31.19, which falls short when compared to the national average of $40.06. This disparity may affect potential part-time workers who typically design in environments such as tech company studios or agency creative floors. For instance, a ux designer working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $1,497 monthly at this median rate, allowing for a flexible work-life balance while still tapping into the creative energy of collaborative spaces like Figma-oriented teams. Hourly rates in Laurel range from $18.10 for entry-level designers to as high as $48.35 for professionals at the top end of the spectrum, reflecting a competitive but varied market influenced by local demand and expertise.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($100,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.10 | $144.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.46 | $179.71 |
| Median (P50) | $31.19 | $249.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.93 | $319.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.35 | $386.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $31.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.19/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $64,878 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,430. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.66 | $5,407 | $64,878 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.59 | $3,244 | $38,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.06 | $2,163 | $25,951 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Laurel) | $31.19 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $64,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.13% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $68,297.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.19/hr = $38,927/year (purchasing power: $35,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,878/year (purchasing power: $59,358).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.19/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Laurel grew 30.2% from $22.43/hr (2021) to $29.20/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.32/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Despite the lower hourly median pay in Laurel, professionals opting for per-diem roles can substantially boost their earnings. A part-time ux designer working 24 hours per week could effectively bring in about $22,473 annually, less than a full-time designer in terms of salary, but those who take on per diem or contract positions often charge significantly more. Rates can soar to $150 per hour for skilled freelance designers, reaching upwards of $400 for senior consultants depending on the employer type. Tech giants like FAANG companies might offer more stability and health benefits at a lower hourly rate, while independent consultants or agency designers often trade health insurance for higher pay rates. When negotiating, it's vital for designers in Laurel to balance the allure of a higher hourly wage against the security that traditional employment may offer, ensuring they align their compensation strategy with their career goals and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Laurel?
Are ux designers in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Laurel?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Laurel?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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