UX Designer Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $35.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in University Place, WA runs $35.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,273 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In University Place, WA, an aspiring UX designer can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $35.47, which is lower than the national median of $40.06. This rate sets the stage for versatile opportunities, particularly for those considering part-time roles that might involve working three days a week. Such designers, juggling multiple commitments, can still thrive in environments like tech design studios, agency creative spaces, or even remote setups using tools like Figma. The hourly compensation ranges from $20.57 for entry-level positions to $54.99 for top earners, indicating a variety of paths within the field. These estimates are grounded in annual salary data projections for 2026, reflecting a growing demand for UX professionals in the region.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($139,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.57 | $164.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.54 | $204.33 |
| Median (P50) | $35.47 | $283.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.41 | $363.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.99 | $439.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $35.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.47/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $73,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,570. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,419.00 | $6,149 | $73,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $851.40 | $3,689 | $44,273 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.60 | $2,460 | $29,515 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (University Place) | $35.47 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $73,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.43% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $75,227.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.47/hr = $44,273/year (purchasing power: $41,222).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,788/year (purchasing power: $68,704).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$25.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.47/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in University Place (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in University Place grew 30.2% from $25.51/hr (2021) to $33.21/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.89/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 University Place 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 University Place
For those considering part-time work, a UX designer operating on a 24-hour work week can anticipate significantly different earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Specifically, working part-time could yield around $44,149 annually, which contrasts with full-time expectations and illustrates the financial trade-offs associated with fewer hours. Per-diem or agency work can lead to higher billing rates, with contract UX designers commonly charging between $75 and $150 per hour. Experienced product designers often go for $125 to $250 per hour, while senior consultants in boutique firms may command rates of $200 to $400 per hour. In University Place, the nature of employment—be it in tech companies, digital agencies, or consulting firms—often affects the hourly rates designers can command. While some may gravitate toward positions with lower hourly rates but included health benefits, others may prefer the autonomy of freelance work, where higher hourly values come with the trade-off of no benefits. Negotiating effectively is essential; understanding local incomes and project scopes can empower UX designers to secure a rate that reflects their expertise and the specific demands of their work.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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