UX Designer Hourly Pay in Summit, NJ: $32.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Summit, NJ runs $32.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, NJ, the projected median hourly rate for UX designers in 2026 stands at $32.25, which is notably lower than the national median of $40.06. This rate reflects the local demand and cost of living, providing a solid income for designers working part-time in diverse settings, such as tech company design studios, agency creative environments, or remote freelance roles utilizing Figma. For those entering the field, hourly pay ranges widely, starting at approximately $18.76 for entry-level positions, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $49.99. The opportunity for part-time work allows many designers to explore various projects and clients, making the role both versatile and appealing.
About the Summit Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($96,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.94 | $191.51 |
| Median (P50) | $32.25 | $257.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.29 | $330.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.99 | $399.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summit
Based on $32.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.25/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summit, NJ can expect to earn approximately $67,078 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,699. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,289.96 | $5,590 | $67,078 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.97 | $3,354 | $40,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.98 | $2,236 | $26,831 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Summit) | $32.25 |
| 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 Summit, NJ earn a median of $67,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.48% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $71,982.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.25/hr = $40,247/year (purchasing power: $34,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,078/year (purchasing power: $58,227).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.25/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Summit (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Summit grew 30.2% from $23.19/hr (2021) to $30.19/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.45/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 Summit 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 Summit
For UX designers contemplating part-time work, those opting for a 3-day work week (approximately 24 hours) could expect to earn around $29,166 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts while enjoying more flexibility. In addition, per-diem positions often present elevated earning potential; contract UX designers typically bill anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour, while experienced product designers can reach rates of $125 to $250 per hour. Furthermore, hourly compensation varies significantly across employer types in Summit, with tech giants offering competitive pay, while boutique agencies might offer lower salaries balanced by broader project exposure. When negotiating, part-time designers must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the stability and perks provided by full-time employment, such as health insurance and retirement plans. Adaptability and strategic self-promotion are key for success in this changing environment, reflecting the fluctuating nature of the post-2023 market.
More salary data for Summit, NJ:
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 Summit. 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 Summit 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