UX Designer Hourly Pay in Schenectady, NY: $37.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Schenectady, NY runs $37.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Schenectady's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,659 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the ux designer hourly pay in Schenectady, NY, reaches a median of $37.39, slightly below the national hourly median of $40.06. This rate presents various opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions in creative settings, including tech company design studios and consultancy environments where collaboration tools like Figma are the norm. Entry-level designers can expect to start at about $21.68 per hour, while top earners in the field may command as much as $57.94 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary projections, provide a solid foundation for individuals exploring freelance work or part-time roles, enabling them to evaluate the pay scale based on their professional experience and chosen work environment.
About the Schenectady Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($122,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.68 | $173.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.92 | $215.35 |
| Median (P50) | $37.39 | $299.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.86 | $382.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.94 | $463.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Schenectady
Based on $37.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.39/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Schenectady, NY can expect to earn approximately $77,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,864. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Schenectady.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Schenectady
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,495.48 | $6,480 | $77,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $897.29 | $3,888 | $46,659 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $598.19 | $2,592 | $31,106 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Schenectady) | $37.39 |
| 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 Schenectady, NY earn a median of $77,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.68% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.20% below the New York state average of $79,506.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.39/hr = $46,659/year (purchasing power: $40,258).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,765/year (purchasing power: $67,097).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$26.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.39/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Schenectady (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Schenectady grew 30.2% from $26.89/hr (2021) to $35.00/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.94/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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady
Assessing the financial feasibility of working part-time, a ux designer in Schenectady who opts for a 3-day work week, totaling 24 hours, can anticipate an annual income of approximately $46,112, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Many per-diem and contract ux designers currently bill between $75 and $150 per hour, while seasoned professionals might secure rates between $125 and $250 per hour. In-house roles at tech firms or design consultancies tend to offer a blend of stability and benefits, with some designers trading off a lower hourly rate for comprehensive health insurance. Understanding this balance is key, as higher hourly pay often comes without benefits, making negotiations crucial for those focused on hour-based salaries. For professionals in Schenectady, it's important to research various employer types to navigate the unique compensation structures in the region, ensuring they find opportunities that align with their career aspirations and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Schenectady, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Schenectady in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Schenectady?
Are ux designers in Schenectady paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Schenectady?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Schenectady?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Schenectady. 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 Schenectady 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