UX Designer Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $59.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Billings, MT runs $59.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,913 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $61.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,348 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billings, Montana, the typical ux designer hourly pay stands at $59.57, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $40.06. This robust rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time employees and freelancers, allowing a ux designer who works three days a week to make a substantial income while enjoying flexibility in their schedule. Billings offers an hourly range from $34.56 for entry-level designers up to $92.34 for experienced professionals, reflecting the area's diverse employment opportunities across tech company design studios, creative agency floors, and remote collaboration settings using tools like Figma. It’s a compelling scenario for those considering part-time work or per-diem roles in the local design market or looking for hybrid work environments that can adapt to both agency and in-house needs.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.56 | $276.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.89 | $343.11 |
| Median (P50) | $59.57 | $476.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.26 | $610.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.34 | $738.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $59.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.57/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $123,913 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,488. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,382.94 | $10,326 | $123,913 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,429.76 | $6,196 | $74,348 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $953.18 | $4,130 | $49,565 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Billings) | $59.57 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $123,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.72% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 3.10% above the Montana state average of $120,188.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.57/hr = $74,348/year (purchasing power: $77,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,913/year (purchasing power: $128,808).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$42.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.57/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Billings grew 30.2% from $42.84/hr (2021) to $55.77/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.64/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 Billings 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 Billings
When evaluating part-time work, a ux designer in Billings who commits to a 24-hour workweek could expect to earn around $74,000 annually. This amount presents a meaningful difference from full-time compensation and suits many skilled designers seeking work-life balance post-2023 layoffs. Per-diem or freelance ux designers in Billings can charge higher rates, ranging from $75 to over $200 an hour based on experience and project specifications. Hourly compensation notably varies across different types of employers; while tech giants may offer attractive salaries with benefits, boutique agencies often present opportunities for broader project involvement at a lower hourly pay. Designers must balance the allure of higher hourly rates against the security of full-time roles that provide health benefits. Negotiating effectively in this evolving market involves understanding the unique demands of employers in Billings, ensuring both a competitive rate and a supportive work environment.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. 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 Billings 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