UX Designer Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $45.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Cambridge, MA runs $45.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,618 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $45.98, UX designers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, enjoy a competitive rate compared to the national median of $40.06. This higher pay reflects the city's strong tech presence, where roles are often situated in design studios, collaborative agency spaces, and remote teams utilizing Figma for their workflows. For part-time designers working three days a week, earning this hourly rate translates into significant take-home pay, particularly when compared to the entry-level positions starting as low as $26.66. Experienced designers earning up to $71.25 per hour can find work in a variety of settings, ranging from in-house product teams to freelance opportunities, catering to diverse client needs and project specifications. Hourly data is estimated from broader annual salary statistics, contextualizing the financial landscape for UX professionals in the region.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($115,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.66 | $213.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.10 | $264.83 |
| Median (P50) | $45.98 | $367.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.85 | $470.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.25 | $569.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $45.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.98/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $95,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,170. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,839.01 | $7,969 | $95,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,103.41 | $4,781 | $57,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $735.61 | $3,188 | $38,251 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Cambridge) | $45.98 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $95,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.76% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 41.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $67,814.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.98/hr = $57,377/year (purchasing power: $52,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,629/year (purchasing power: $88,137).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$33.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.98/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Cambridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Cambridge grew 30.2% from $33.06/hr (2021) to $43.04/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.11/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Exploring the financial dynamics of part-time and per-diem UX designers in Cambridge reveals interesting earning potentials. A part-time UX designer working 24 hours a week would take home around $57,123 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time role but allows for flexibility and a diverse portfolio. Meanwhile, those opting for per-diem roles can command higher rates, often billing $75 to $150 per hour. Senior product designers might see rates between $125 and $250, while boutique design consultants could charge upwards of $200 to $400 per hour. There is a distinct trade-off in these choices; while some designers may accept a lower hourly rate for the benefit of health insurance and job stability, others may prioritize flexibility and accept contract roles with no benefits. Negotiation is essential, particularly in Cambridge’s competitive market; skilled UX designers can navigate employer-specific rates effectively, ensuring they secure the best compensation relative to their skills and experience.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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