UX Designer Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, NM: $26.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Carlsbad, NM runs $26.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,554 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the typical UX designer in Carlsbad, NM, will see an hourly rate of $26.89, which is significantly lower than the national median of $40.06. This figure paints a clear picture for part-time and per-diem professionals seeking flexibility in their careers. For someone working three days a week, the earnings equate to a part-time income that might suit individuals looking to balance other commitments or supplement their income. The hourly pay range for UX designers in Carlsbad varies from $15.60 for entry-level positions to a high of $41.68. These estimates are drawn from the projected annual data, providing a framework for what designers can expect in various work environments, whether in tech company design studios, agency layouts, or the increasingly popular freelance settings that have emerged in recent years.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($73,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.60 | $124.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.37 | $154.93 |
| Median (P50) | $26.89 | $215.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.42 | $275.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.68 | $333.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $26.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.89/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, NM can expect to earn approximately $55,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,264. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.46 | $4,660 | $55,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.28 | $2,796 | $33,554 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.19 | $1,864 | $22,370 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Carlsbad) | $26.89 |
| 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 Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $55,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.87% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $59,000.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.89/hr = $33,554/year (purchasing power: $35,545).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,924/year (purchasing power: $59,242).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.89/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Carlsbad (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Carlsbad grew 30.2% from $19.33/hr (2021) to $25.17/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.72/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
When considering part-time work, a UX designer working 24 hours a week would take home an approximate income considerably lower than full-time counterparts, translating into annually delivering around $33,485. The per-diem model offers its own set of advantages; contract UX designers can charge between $75 and $150 per hour, allowing for potentially higher earnings, especially for those with specialized skills or extensive experience. In Carlsbad, the hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer—tech companies may present competitive salaries, while design agencies and startups might offer lower base pay in exchange for a diverse project experience. This dynamic also influences benefits, as some designers may opt for reduced hourly wages to secure health insurance, while others prefer higher rates without additional perks. With a strong demand for UX designers and ongoing growth projected at 6.82%, negotiating effectively for hourly rates becomes increasingly essential for professionals in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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