UX Designer Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $31.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Salem, MA runs $31.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,329 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,194 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for a UX designer is $31.41, which lags behind the national median of $40.06 per hour. This disparity can influence decisions for those considering part-time work or contract gigs. For example, a UX designer working three days a week could earn around $25,457 annually, which is a significant sum but far less than a full-time role. The hourly pay range in Salem varies greatly from $18.21 for entry-level positions to $48.68 for top earners, indicating a broad spectrum of opportunities for skilled and seasoned designers. Many UX designers in the area work in various settings such as tech company design studios, creative agency floors, and remote or hybrid environments utilizing tools like Figma. Freelancers and per-diem workers may find the flexibility attractive, but they should consider how the hourly rate informs their overall income.
About the Salem 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) | $18.21 | $145.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.03 | $184.24 |
| Median (P50) | $31.41 | $251.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.21 | $321.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.68 | $389.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $31.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.41/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $65,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,686. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,256.20 | $5,444 | $65,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $753.72 | $3,266 | $39,194 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.48 | $2,177 | $26,129 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Salem) | $31.41 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $65,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.59% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $67,769.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.41/hr = $39,194/year (purchasing power: $36,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,323/year (purchasing power: $60,205).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.41/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Salem grew 30.2% from $22.58/hr (2021) to $29.40/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.55/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 Salem 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 Salem
For designers contemplating a part-time role, a schedule of 24 hours per week yields approximately $25,457 annually, which illustrates a stark contrast to full-time salaries. Per-diem and agency roles in Salem can afford designers lucrative day rates, often billed between $75 and $150 per hour, while experienced product designers can command rates of $125 to $250 per hour. Senior design consultants with specialized skills at boutique firms might earn anywhere from $200 to $400 per hour, reflecting the premium placed on industry expertise. It’s important to recognize how these rates fluctuate across different employer types: tech companies often have structured pay scales that may not always match the flexibility of freelance or contract roles. Moreover, some designers may opt for positions offering lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates in Salem, professionals should emphasize their skills in design systems and Figma proficiency, vital in today’s job market, especially in light of recent industry shifts following widespread layoffs.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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