UX Designer Hourly Pay in Utica, NY: $29.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Utica, NY runs $29.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,512 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Utica's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,914 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the typical ux designer hourly pay in Utica, New York, is projected to be $29.58. This figure sits notably below the national median of $40.06 per hour, reflecting the localized market dynamics that can affect pay scales. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this equates to a manageable yet potentially modest income, depending on hours worked. Per-diem roles in the field can vary greatly; while freelancers and contractors might bill substantially more, ranging from $18.26 for entry-level positions to $50.92 for top earners, the average can find ux designers collaborating in various settings—from tech studio designs to remote work environments utilizing tools like Figma. This hourly data is officially sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, signifying its reliability for job seekers in the area.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.26 | $146.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.41 | $187.32 |
| Median (P50) | $29.58 | $236.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.84 | $358.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.92 | $407.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Utica
Based on $29.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.58/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Utica, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,523 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,494. With a cost-of-living index of 92.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Utica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Utica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.14 | $5,127 | $61,523 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.88 | $3,076 | $36,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.26 | $2,051 | $24,609 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Utica) | $29.58 |
| 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 Utica, NY earn a median of $61,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.17% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 22.60% below the New York state average of $79,473.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.58/hr = $36,914/year (purchasing power: $39,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,523/year (purchasing power: $66,384).
CoL index: 92.678 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$23.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.58/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Utica (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Utica grew 19.4% from $23.20/hr (2021) to $27.69/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.60/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 Utica 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 Utica
Shifting focus to the earning potential for part-time work, a ux designer committing to 24 hours weekly could expect a return of around $36,873 annually. In contrast, a full-time position would yield significantly higher compensation, underscoring the financial benefit of dedicated hours. Many per diem designers find lucrative opportunities through contracts, with typical billing rates ranging from $75 to $150 for general tasks, and experienced professionals or consultants commanding much higher rates. In Utica, employer differences play a significant role in determining hourly wages; tech firms often compensate more generously than small agencies or in-house design teams. While some may opt for lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize flexible contract work. It's advisable for hourly workers in Utica to negotiate not just on pay but also on project scope, as their rates may vary significantly based on the nature of the work and the organization.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 Utica. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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