UX Designer Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $26.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Chesapeake, VA runs $26.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the projected hourly pay for a UX designer stands at $26.52, noticeably lower than the national median of $40.06 per hour. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates to a financial reality that may not meet the cost of living demands in the area, especially when considering the local cost of living index of 103.2. With an hourly range from $15.38 for entry-level positions up to $41.10 for top earners, the market reflects the varying levels of expertise and experience within this field. Typically, UX designers around Chesapeake find placement in tech studios, agency environments, and remote setups, often utilizing industry-standard tools such as Figma to collaborate effectively. As freelance or contract workers rise in popularity, the diverse landscape of employment options offers distinct avenues for managing workloads and compensation expectations.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.38 | $123.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.10 | $152.80 |
| Median (P50) | $26.52 | $212.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.95 | $271.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.10 | $328.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $26.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.52/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $55,169 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,828. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,060.94 | $4,597 | $55,169 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $636.56 | $2,758 | $33,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.37 | $1,839 | $22,067 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Chesapeake) | $26.52 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $55,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.79% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 14.50% below the Virginia state average of $64,521.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.52/hr = $33,101/year (purchasing power: $32,075).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,169/year (purchasing power: $53,458).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$19.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.52/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Chesapeake (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Chesapeake grew 30.2% from $19.07/hr (2021) to $24.83/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.33/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Analyzing the potential earnings for a part-time UX designer in Chesapeake reveals that a 24-hour work week, at the median hourly rate, would yield an annual income of approximately $33,073, significantly less than the take-home pay of a full-time designer. In the per-diem or contract realm, hourly rates can dramatically increase, often billing between $75 and $150 per hour for entry-level engagements, and stretching to an impressive $200 to $400 for seasoned consultants. This dichotomy between agency and corporate employment reveals how varied the market can be, with tech giants typically offering more stability but possibly lower rates compared to boutique design firms. Many UX professionals face trade-offs when accepting positions: while some may prefer higher hourly rates with no benefits, others value comprehensive health coverage that often accompanies full-time roles. For those working in Chesapeake, seasoned negotiators can optimize their hourly wage by researching comparable rates within the local market and understanding their unique skill set's demand. This insight becomes essential in a landscape that has recently seen significant layoffs, compelling designers to balance financial stability with project fulfillment.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Chesapeake in 2026?
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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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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