UX Designer Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $24.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Memphis, TN runs $24.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,022 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, TN, the projected median hourly pay for a UX designer is $24.06. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $40.06, reflecting the local market's conditions and cost of living. For part-time UX designers working three days a week, or those in per-diem roles, this pay structure means a notable variance in income depending on hours logged. The hourly range in Memphis varies from $16.55 for entry-level positions to as much as $45.56 for top earners, indicating an opportunity for growth and advancement. Many UX designers in Memphis find themselves in flexible work environments such as tech company studios, creative agency spaces, or remote settings using collaboration tools like Figma. This BLS data provides a clear benchmark for those assessing the opportunities available in this field.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.55 | $132.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.02 | $152.20 |
| Median (P50) | $24.06 | $192.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.16 | $273.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.56 | $364.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $24.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.06/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $50,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,867. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.23 | $4,170 | $50,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.34 | $2,502 | $30,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.89 | $1,668 | $20,014 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Memphis) | $24.06 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $50,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.94% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.90% above the Tennessee state average of $48,630.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.06/hr = $30,022/year (purchasing power: $32,569).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,036/year (purchasing power: $54,282).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$24.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.06/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+6.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Memphis (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Memphis grew -6.3% from $24.04/hr (2021) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.70/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Looking further into the earning potential, a UX designer working a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week in Memphis would take home approximately $28,080 annually, markedly lower than what full-time designers might earn. In contrast, per-diem or contract UX designers can bill between $75 and $150 per hour for their services, with experienced product designers commanding rates from $125 to $250. Those at upscale boutiques or consulting firms might see even higher figures, such as $200 to $400 per hour for senior roles. The variation in pay across different employer types is notable, with tech giants offering higher rates than nonprofit or in-house teams, which may provide greater job security and benefits. While some designers prefer the higher hourly rates afforded by freelancing, others opt for the stability and health insurance that come with traditional employment. In Memphis, consultants can negotiate based on their expertise and the specific needs of companies in the area, which remain critical skills in the current hiring climate.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
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 Memphis. 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