UX Designer Salary in Alhambra, CA: $82,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Alhambra, CA earns a median $82,883/year (≈ $39.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Alhambra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,283 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the wake of the 2023 tech industry layoffs, the UX designer salary in Alhambra, CA, has remained relatively stable, with a projected median annual salary of $82,883 for 2026. This figure indicates a competitive local market, although it falls slightly below the anticipated national median of $83,320. The salary range for UX designers in the area spans from $48,072 at the 10th percentile to $128,468 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse earning potential based on experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, showing that despite market uncertainties, opportunities for UX designers in Alhambra persist, making it an appealing location for professionals in this field.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($142,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,072 | $23.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,036 | $28.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,883 | $39.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,089 | $51.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,468 | $61.76 |
Median Salary Position
0.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alhambra
In Alhambra, CA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,396 (2026 est.). At $82,883, the local median is 0.52% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alhambra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alhambra UX Designer Pay Compares
Alhambra median: $82,883/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alhambra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,145 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -0.52% less |
UX Designers in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $82,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.52% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.50% below the California state average of $84,145.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alhambra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alhambra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,883 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,283 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$59,603
2025 BLS Actual
$77,591
2026 Current Est.
$82,883
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Alhambra (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $59,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,591 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,535 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alhambra metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $59,603 (2021) to $77,591 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,535 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,932 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,072 – $60,036 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,036 – $82,883 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,883 – $106,089 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,089 – $128,468 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Alhambra
With only 13 UX designers currently employed in Alhambra, the local job market is both concentrated and competitive. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries for UX designer pay in Alhambra, CA, are reasonable, they must also account for higher-than-average living expenses. Major employers like tech firms and consulting agencies tend to pay more, especially those with substantial budgets for design talent. Factors influencing salary variation include company type, with FAANG and successful unicorns generally offering higher pay driven by stock options, followed by tier-two tech companies and boutique agencies. Specialization in areas such as design systems can also enhance salary prospects. Aspiring designers should focus on building robust portfolios, emphasizing their work on high-traffic applications, and seeking opportunities that offer career advancement, such as managerial positions or roles with equity components.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,591 for ux designersin the Alhambra metropolitan area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra 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