UX Designer Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $33.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Salem, OR runs $33.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,164 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,500 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Salem, Oregon, the hourly compensation for UX designers reaches a median of $33.25. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $40.06, reflecting localized market conditions. For professionals considering part-time positions, such as a three-day work week, this hourly rate could result in a take-home pay of approximately $51,600 annually, demonstrating a viable option for those seeking flexibility. The hourly range for this role spans from $26.20 for entry-level designers to $67.92 for the most experienced, making it accessible for various levels of expertise. Full-time roles in tech companies, digital product agencies, and freelance environments are common, with opportunities spread across workspace settings that range from collaborative design studios and remote Figma sessions to home offices.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.20 | $209.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.89 | $239.11 |
| Median (P50) | $33.25 | $266.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.80 | $390.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.92 | $543.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $33.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.25/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $69,166 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,904. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,330.12 | $5,764 | $69,166 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.07 | $3,458 | $41,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.05 | $2,306 | $27,667 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Salem) | $33.25 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $69,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.99% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 7.90% above the Oregon state average of $64,100.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.25/hr = $41,500/year (purchasing power: $40,039).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,166/year (purchasing power: $66,731).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$23.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.25/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Salem grew 30.2% from $23.91/hr (2021) to $31.13/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.52/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 Salem 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 Salem
When evaluating the earning potential in Salem, UX designers working part-time or freelance can experience substantial variations. A three-day-a-week commitment, totaling around 24 hours, allows for a solid income even while not fully engaged in the job market. In contrast, per-diem or contracted UX designers typically command higher hourly rates, billing anywhere from $75 to $150 for their expertise, but this can escalate even further for seasoned professionals, with rates reaching up to $300 per hour in specialized roles. In Salem, UX design salaries differ significantly based on employer type; tech giants may pay more competitively compared to design consultancies and startups. Understanding this environment is crucial, especially for those who may prioritize benefits over higher pay. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing experience and skill with tools like Figma, showcasing a portfolio that aligns with specific employer needs, and being aware of the competitive nature of the market.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
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 Salem. 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, 4-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