UX Designer Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Rochester, MN runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,962 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,181 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, the projected median hourly rate for UX designers stands at $29.79, which falls significantly below the national median of $40.06. This disparity illustrates the localized nature of UX designer hourly pay in the region, reflecting the lower cost of living indexed at 98.5. For part-time designers working three days a week, or those in per-diem roles, the reality of budget constraints means that rates often cover essential living expenses rather than facilitating high-end lifestyles. The hourly range for the position spans from $17.27 for entry-level designers to $46.18 for top earners, allowing opportunities for varied experience levels, all within environments such as tech company design studios, creative agency floors, and flexible remote setups heavily influenced by design tools like Figma.
About the Rochester 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) | $17.27 | $138.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.45 | $171.60 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.13 | $305.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.18 | $369.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $61,968 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,751. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.68 | $5,164 | $61,968 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.01 | $3,098 | $37,181 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.67 | $2,066 | $24,787 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Rochester) | $29.79 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $61,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.63% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.70% above the Minnesota state average of $61,531.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,181/year (purchasing power: $37,747).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,968/year (purchasing power: $62,911).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$21.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Rochester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Rochester grew 30.2% from $21.42/hr (2021) to $27.89/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.82/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
For part-time UX designers in Rochester, earning at $29.79 per hour translates to a substantial difference when considering annual income compared to full-time counterparts. A design professional working three days a week can anticipate approximately $37,573 annually. However, per diem and contract opportunities reveal a broader spectrum of potential earnings; freelance designers may command rates between $75 and $150 per hour, while experienced product designers see billing up to $250 per hour. The diversity of employer types contributes to this variability—designers in FAANG companies might receive lower base pay but secure substantial benefits, whereas boutique consulting firms may offer higher pay and project diversity. Designers must weigh the stability of employment against the freedom of freelancing, making strategic choices based on their professional goals. In negotiations, local designers should emphasize their proficiency with industry-standard tools and the increasing value they bring to user experience, helping to justify their worth in the competitive Minnesota market.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Rochester?
Are ux designers in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Rochester?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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