UX Designer Hourly Pay in Ferndale, MI: $24.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Ferndale, MI runs $24.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Ferndale's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Ferndale, Michigan, has a projected median ux designer hourly pay of $24.77 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $40.06. This figure reflects the challenges faced by local designers, particularly those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a ux designer working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $1,992 monthly before taxes, impacting long-term savings and financial stability. The hourly pay for entry-level positions may start around $14.37, while experienced designers can earn upwards of $38.39, showcasing a range that allows for growth and advancement over time. Working environments span tech company design studios and remote Figma collaborations to freelance settings, emphasizing flexibility as a valuable factor in this industry.
About the Ferndale Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($80,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.37 | $114.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.84 | $142.71 |
| Median (P50) | $24.77 | $198.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.70 | $253.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.39 | $307.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ferndale
Based on $24.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.77/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ferndale, MI can expect to earn approximately $51,525 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,726. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ferndale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ferndale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $990.86 | $4,294 | $51,525 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $594.52 | $2,576 | $30,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.34 | $1,717 | $20,610 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Ferndale) | $24.77 |
| 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 Ferndale, MI earn a median of $51,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.16% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $54,294.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.77/hr = $30,915/year (purchasing power: $33,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,525/year (purchasing power: $55,284).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.77/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Ferndale (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Ferndale grew 30.2% from $17.81/hr (2021) to $23.19/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.46/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 Ferndale 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 Ferndale
Analyzing the potential earnings for part-time professionals in Ferndale reveals that a ux designer working only 24 hours weekly can still bring home $23,904 annually, which can be considerably lower than full-time employment’s earning potential. Meanwhile, per diem ux designers in Ferndale often charge significantly higher hourly rates, for example, averaging between $75 and $150 per hour for contract work, making this option lucrative for seasoned professionals. Hourly pay varies depending on employer type; tech giants typically offer higher rates than boutique agencies, which may provide less but often compensate with benefits that freelance work lacks. Local ux designers must navigate the trade-offs of hourly work versus benefits, with negotiation skills being essential. Designers can enhance their bargaining power through strong portfolios and specialized knowledge in tools like Figma, considering the local market dynamics shaped by recent layoffs and an increasing demand for design systems expertise.
More salary data for Ferndale, MI:
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 Ferndale. 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 Ferndale 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