UX Designer Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $31.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Cincinnati, OH runs $31.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,351 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,820 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cincinnati, the projected median hourly pay for UX designers stands at $31.91. This figure is noticeably lower than the national median of $40.06 per hour, which reflects regional market dynamics and cost of living differences. For those working part-time, such as a UX designer putting in three days a week, earnings would equate to about $1,618 per month, significantly complementing their income from other pursuits or supplementing educational endeavors. For per-diem professionals, the typical environment can range from collaborative tech studios using Figma to cozy freelance workspaces. Hourly rates for UX designers in the area can vary considerably, starting at $18.88 for entry-level positions and soaring to $51.48 for top-tier talent, as noted in the official BLS data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.88 | $151.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.44 | $195.52 |
| Median (P50) | $31.91 | $255.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.38 | $387.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.48 | $411.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $31.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.91/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $66,367 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,289. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,276.29 | $5,531 | $66,367 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.77 | $3,318 | $39,820 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.51 | $2,212 | $26,547 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Cincinnati) | $31.91 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $66,351 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.37% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.00% above the Ohio state average of $64,419.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.91/hr = $39,820/year (purchasing power: $41,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,367/year (purchasing power: $69,589).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.91/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+44.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Cincinnati (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Cincinnati grew 26.6% from $23.60/hr (2021) to $29.87/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.08/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
Exploring part-time income further, a UX designer in Cincinnati working 24 hours weekly would generate an annual income of $41,830, differing sharply from the full-time equivalent. In freelance or per-diem roles, where rates reflect industry demand, pay can range dramatically; billing at $75-$150 per hour is common for agency work, while experienced designers can command $125-$250 per hour. Senior design consultants at boutique firms often see rates of $200-$400 per hour, indicating the lucrative possibilities in specialized roles. Employers in Cincinnati, from major tech firms to design consulting agencies, exhibit varying rate structures. Some designers may opt for lower hourly wages if securing company benefits is paramount, while others might prioritize higher pay for flexible arrangements without health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, clear communication about skill sets and experience can yield better outcomes, particularly in a competitive landscape shaped by recent layoffs in tech.
More salary data for Cincinnati, OH:
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 Cincinnati. 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