UX Designer Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $27.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Austin, MN runs $27.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,928 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Austin, Minnesota, the projected average for ux designer hourly pay stands at $27.99, which is significantly lower than the national median of $40.06. This local rate reflects the city’s economic environment, including a slightly lower cost of living, measured at 98.5 compared to the national average. For those seeking part-time opportunities, like working three days a week, this translates to a steady income while possibly enjoying the flexibility to focus on other projects. Entry-level ux designers in Austin may earn around $16.24 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $43.38, providing a broad spectrum for individuals based on skills and experience. Typical working environments for ux designers include tech company design studios, remote collaboration spaces utilizing Figma, and agency creative floors, each offering unique benefits and challenges that influence the hourly rate.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.24 | $129.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.16 | $161.26 |
| Median (P50) | $27.99 | $223.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.83 | $286.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.38 | $347.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $27.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.99/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $58,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,584. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,119.47 | $4,851 | $58,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.68 | $2,911 | $34,928 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.79 | $1,940 | $23,285 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Austin) | $27.99 |
| 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 Austin, MN earn a median of $58,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.13% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $61,541.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.99/hr = $34,928/year (purchasing power: $35,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,213/year (purchasing power: $59,099).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.99/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Austin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Austin grew 30.2% from $20.13/hr (2021) to $26.20/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.90/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 Austin 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 Austin
Examining the potential earnings of a part-time ux designer working 24 hours a week reveals an annual take-home that could significantly diverge from full-time salaries. While a full-time position may lead to a stable income, part-time workers can leverage flexibility for a better work-life balance, making it appealing for many. In the realm of per-diem or contracted ux work, professionals often bill much higher, ranging between $75 to $250 per hour, depending on expertise and employer type. Significant salary disparities exist between company types in Austin; for instance, tech giants tend to offer higher compensation compared to smaller design agencies or in-house teams. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of positions offering health insurance against those with higher pay but no additional perks, as this can influence overall job satisfaction and financial stability. Understanding local market conditions and adjusting expectations accordingly is key for a successful career in UX design within Austin, MN.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
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 Austin. 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 Austin 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