UX Designer Hourly Pay in Northampton, MA: $31.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Northampton, MA runs $31.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Northampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,940 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, a UX designer earns a median hourly rate of $31.20, which is notably lower than the national median of $40.06. This difference suggests a competitive but constrained market for UX design professionals within the city. The hourly pay structure supports various working arrangements, making it feasible for part-time designers who aspire to work around three days a week, potentially earning a comfortable income while maintaining flexibility. Freelancers and contract workers in this profession may find themselves at either end of the hourly scale, as the range extends from $18.10 at the entry-level to $48.36 for top earners. The estimated rates highlight the evolving nature of workplace dynamics, where design studios, creative agencies, and remote collaboration environments thrive.
About the Northampton 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) | $18.10 | $144.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.62 | $181.00 |
| Median (P50) | $31.20 | $249.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.94 | $319.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.36 | $386.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northampton
Based on $31.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.20/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northampton, MA can expect to earn approximately $64,900 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,443. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,248.08 | $5,408 | $64,900 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.85 | $3,245 | $38,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.23 | $2,163 | $25,960 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Northampton) | $31.20 |
| 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 Northampton, MA earn a median of $64,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.11% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $67,813.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.20/hr = $38,940/year (purchasing power: $35,890).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,900/year (purchasing power: $59,816).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.20/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Northampton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Northampton grew 30.2% from $22.44/hr (2021) to $29.21/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.33/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 Northampton 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 Northampton
When examining the financial landscape for part-time UX designers in Northampton, an individual working three days per week at the median rate can expect to bring in around $48,576 annually, which represents a significant difference compared to full-time incomes. Per-diem UX designers operating on a contract basis often command much higher hourly rates of $75-$150, reflecting the diverse needs within the market for specialized skills. Established professionals in roles such as senior design consultants can earn between $200 and $400 per hour, creating a stark contrast with the base hourly earnings. Design employers vary considerably—tech giants, boutique agencies, and in-house design teams each offer distinct compensation packages. Those accepting lower hourly rates may benefit from health insurance and other perks, while others may prioritize higher compensation in exchange for self-managed benefits. Negotiation strategies in Northampton can be crucial, emphasizing specialized experience and a solid portfolio, especially when vying for contract roles in a competitive environment where Figma skills are increasingly in demand.
More salary data for Northampton, 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 Northampton. 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 Northampton 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