UX Designer Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $30.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $30.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,647 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hilton Head Island, SC, the hourly pay for UX designers is projected to be $30.97 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $40.06 per hour. This compensation can create various financial scenarios depending on work arrangements. For those taking on part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the earnings can offer flexibility while still providing a decent living. The hourly rates range from $17.96 for entry-level positions to as much as $47.99 for top earners, allowing UX designers to cater their workload to personal and professional commitments. Freelancers and part-time workers typically navigate tech company design studios, dynamic agency environments, or remote collaborations via Figma, ensuring a diverse range of experiences despite a challenging local salary picture.
About the Hilton Head Island Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($80,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.96 | $143.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.29 | $178.35 |
| Median (P50) | $30.97 | $247.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.63 | $317.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.99 | $383.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $30.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.97/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $64,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,161. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,238.68 | $5,368 | $64,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $743.21 | $3,221 | $38,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.47 | $2,147 | $25,765 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Hilton Head Island) | $30.97 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $64,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.70% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $64,858.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.97/hr = $38,647/year (purchasing power: $42,237).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,412/year (purchasing power: $70,395).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.97/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Hilton Head Island (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Hilton Head Island grew 30.2% from $22.27/hr (2021) to $28.99/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.08/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
Exploring the nuances of UX designer hourly pay in Hilton Head Island reveals distinct earning potentials based on work type and employer. For those working part-time, a designer committing to a 24-hour workweek could expect to bring home roughly $39,658 annually, which showcases a marked difference from a full-time salary for more comprehensive job security and benefits. In contrast, per-diem or agency work can greatly enhance overall pay; contractors frequently charge $75-$150 per hour, with seasoned product designers earning between $125-$250. The variation in compensation stems from employer types, with established firms or digital product agencies typically offering higher rates than in-house teams at non-tech companies. As designers explore these opportunities, they must weigh the trade-off between lower hourly wages that include health insurance benefits and the appeal of higher rates without such security. Negotiation tactics may include emphasizing specialized skills in design systems and showcasing a strong portfolio, which can provide leverage in securing more favorable pay arrangements.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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