UX Designer Salary in Atlanta, GA: $94,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Atlanta, GA earns a median $94,688/year (≈ $45.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $94,633 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 62.8% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, GA, the projected median annual salary for UX designers in 2026 is set at $94,688, significantly higher than the national median of $83,320. The salary range extends from $51,562 at the lower end (P10) to $146,058 for highly compensated positions (P90). This information, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflects the competitive landscape of UX design in the region. Candidates often face a choice between working for major tech companies like those in FAANG or opting for digital agencies and in-house teams. Each avenue presents distinct compensation structures; typically, tech firms offer higher pay and stock options, while agencies tend to focus on project diversity and a broader range of experiences. In Atlanta's tech-savvy market, opportunities abound that cater to diverse skill sets among UX professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,562 | $24.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,197 | $33.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,688 | $45.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,887 | $58.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,058 | $70.22 |
Median Salary Position
13.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,496 (2026 est.). At $94,688, the local median is 13.64% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Atlanta UX Designer Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $94,688/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $58,162 | +62.80% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | +13.64% more |
UX Designers in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $94,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.64% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 62.80% above the Georgia state average of $58,162.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $94,688 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,633 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$78,740
2025 BLS Actual
$88,643
2026 Current Est.
$94,688
2021–2027 Growth
+28.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Atlanta (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $78,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,643 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,146 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 12.6% from $78,740 (2021) to $88,643 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,146 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,406 (28.46%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $51,562 – $70,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,197 – $94,688 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,688 – $121,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,887 – $146,058 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Atlanta
Looking at the local job market, Atlanta employs approximately 1,890 UX designers, which is indicative of strong demand for this talent in the region. The cost of living index stands at 100.058, slightly above the national average, meaning that while salaries may appear high, take-home purchasing power can be impacted. In terms of compensation, tech giants like Google and Microsoft generally pay the most, followed closely by well-known digital agencies. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include company tier—where FAANG or high-value unicorns command premium rates—specialization areas such as UX research versus product design, and the strength of one's portfolio. For those looking to maximize their salary, focusing on high-demand skills, particularly in Figma and design systems, can enhance their value in the marketplace. Additionally, pursuing roles with a clear management path can further boost earning potential in a city where the field is increasingly competitive.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 $88,643 for ux designersin the Atlanta 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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