UX Designer Salary in Dover, DE: $117,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Dover, DE earns a median $117,819/year (≈ $56.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Dover's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $115,850 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the focus on the UX designer salary in Dover, Delaware, points to a median annual compensation of $117,819, significantly exceeding the national figure of $83,320. With a salary range that extends from $68,335 at the lowest end (P10) to $182,619 at the highest (P90), these figures reflect the local market's resilience amidst the 2023 design layoffs. This trend shows how the local job market has absorbed such disruptions, indicating a strong demand for skilled UX designers. The estimates presented here are aligned with BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, offering a clear picture of the financial landscape for designers in Dover.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,335 | $32.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,812 | $42.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,819 | $56.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,808 | $72.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,619 | $87.80 |
Median Salary Position
41.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, DE, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,284 (2026 est.). At $117,819, the local median is 41.41% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dover UX Designer Pay Compares
Dover median: $117,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $118,889 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | +41.41% more |
UX Designers in Dover, DE earn a median of $117,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.41% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 0.90% below the Delaware state average of $118,889.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $117,819 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,850 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$84,727
2025 BLS Actual
$110,297
2026 Current Est.
$117,819
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Dover (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $84,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,324 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,297 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,855 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $84,727 (2021) to $110,297 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,855 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,128 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $68,335 – $87,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,812 – $117,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,819 – $150,808 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,808 – $182,619 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Dover
The local job market sees a limited number of UX designers, with only seven professionals currently employed in Dover. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the take-home pay can be influenced by the relatively higher costs associated with living in the area. For those aiming for higher compensation, opportunities may lie with larger tech companies or design consulting firms that often pay more than their smaller counterparts. The disparity in salaries among UX designers can be attributed to various factors, such as the type of employer, range of specialty, and the overall strength of a designer's portfolio—especially portfolio pieces that showcase heavily-trafficked apps can command higher rates. To maximize pay in this competitive environment, designers should enhance their skills, focus on building a robust portfolio, and consider negotiating for RSUs or equity where applicable. Understanding these nuances will be essential for anyone evaluating how much do UX designers make in Dover, DE.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
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 $110,297 for ux designersin the Dover 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 Dover 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