UX Designer Salary in Lakewood, CO: $65,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Lakewood, CO earns a median $65,663/year (≈ $31.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $62,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for a UX designer in Lakewood, Colorado, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $65,663. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $83,320, presenting a 21.19% difference that reflects the local market's characteristics. The local pay range varies considerably from $38,085 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $101,778 at the 90th percentile (P90), showcasing a diverse landscape of opportunities for both entry-level and seasoned professionals. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for the cost of living in the region, which is slightly above the national average at a cost-of-living index of 105. With 27 UX designers currently employed in Lakewood, this market presents a blend of opportunities primarily in tech-related roles versus alternative tracks, which can influence career decisions regarding specialization or management aspirations.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($122,500) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,085 | $18.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,277 | $22.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,663 | $31.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,049 | $40.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,778 | $48.93 |
Median Salary Position
21.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,693 (2026 est.). At $65,663, the local median is 21.19% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood UX Designer Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $65,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $65,598 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -21.19% less |
UX Designers in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $65,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.19% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $65,598.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,663 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,536 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$47,220
2025 BLS Actual
$61,471
2026 Current Est.
$65,663
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Lakewood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,721 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,471 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,142 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $47,220 (2021) to $61,471 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,142 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,922 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $38,085 – $47,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,277 – $65,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,663 – $84,049 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,049 – $101,778 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Lakewood
The job market for UX designers in Lakewood reflects a modest but steady growth rate of 6.82% annually, suggesting a continuous demand for skilled professionals in this sector. Despite the local salary figures, the cost of living in the area impacts overall purchasing power, making salary negotiations pivotal for maximizing take-home pay. Typically, tech companies, particularly those in the FAANG group, lead in compensation, often offering higher salaries supplemented with stock options and benefits. Design agencies and in-house teams at non-tech firms generally follow, albeit with lower base salaries. The significant variance between salaries can be attributed to several factors, including company tier, specialty (such as research versus product design), and the strength of an individual’s portfolio, especially those showcasing high-traffic applications or strong Figma skills. To enhance earning potential, UX designers in Lakewood should focus on building robust portfolios, exploring opportunities in high-tier tech firms, and considering contract positions that may offer more lucrative pay compared to traditional employment arrangements.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
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 $61,471 for ux designersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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