UX Designer Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $32.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Needham, MA runs $32.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Needham, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for UX designers in 2026 is $32.02, notably lower than the national median of $40.06. This hourly rate is quite relevant for both part-time professionals and per-diem roles, where designers may work in dynamic environments such as tech company design studios, agency creative spaces, or from the comfort of home in hybrid setups using tools like Figma. Established designers can command a wide range of hourly rates, from $18.58 for entry-level positions to $49.64 for top earners. Due to the relatively low hourly rates compared to national figures, many UX designers in the area might find themselves making strategic decisions about their work schedules while weighing opportunities between freelance positions and traditional employment.
About the Needham 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) | $18.58 | $148.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.06 | $184.50 |
| Median (P50) | $32.02 | $256.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.00 | $327.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.64 | $397.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $32.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.02/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $66,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,430. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,280.99 | $5,551 | $66,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $768.59 | $3,331 | $39,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.39 | $2,220 | $26,644 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Needham) | $32.02 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $66,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.05% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $67,769.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.02/hr = $39,967/year (purchasing power: $36,836).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,611/year (purchasing power: $61,393).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.02/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Needham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Needham grew 30.2% from $23.03/hr (2021) to $29.98/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.21/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 Needham 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 Needham
A UX designer working part-time at 24 hours per week would take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, primarily due to the reduced number of billable hours. Per-diem and contract opportunities in Needham can be lucrative; many UX designers bill anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour, depending on their specific expertise and reputation. Experienced product designers might see rates of $125 to $250, while senior design consultants at boutique agencies can demand up to $400 per hour. The variation in pay is often influenced by the type of employer, whether that's a tech giant, a creative agency, or a startup, each offering different benefits and pay structures. While some professionals choose the financial stability of traditional roles with lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others opt for higher pay opportunities without benefits. Professionals should be prepared to negotiate thoughtfully and understand the local market dynamics for UX designer hourly pay in Needham, especially in light of recent layoffs that have reshaped the industry.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
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 Needham. 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 Needham 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