UX Designer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $79,328 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Honolulu, HI earns a median $79,328/year (≈ $38.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $66,495 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for UX designers in Honolulu, HI is estimated to be $79,328, slightly below the national median of $83,320. This discrepancy may be influenced by the local job market dynamics, where salary ranges vary significantly from $46,011 at the 10th percentile to $122,958 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicating that the choice between working for a FAANG company, an agency, or within an in-house team can greatly impact compensation. Professionals aiming for elite positions at top tech firms typically enjoy higher pay, but may trade off some breadth of experience for that specialized, high-stakes focus in their roles.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,011 | $22.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,116 | $27.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,328 | $38.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,540 | $48.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,958 | $59.11 |
Median Salary Position
4.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,947 (2026 est.). At $79,328, the local median is 4.79% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu UX Designer Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $79,328/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $74,556 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -4.79% less |
UX Designers in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $79,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $74,556.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,328 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,495 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$57,047
2025 BLS Actual
$74,263
2026 Current Est.
$79,328
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Honolulu (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $57,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,328 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,738 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $57,047 (2021) to $74,263 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,738 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,691 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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) | $46,011 – $57,116 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,116 – $79,328 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,328 – $101,540 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,540 – $122,958 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Honolulu
Among the 68 UX designers currently employed in Honolulu, the cost of living remains a critical factor to consider in evaluating compensation. With a cost-of-living index of 119.3, designers in the region must navigate higher expenses that can dampen overall purchasing power. Companies such as FAANG and major tech firms tend to offer the most competitive salaries, thanks to their robust benefits packages and potential for equity. In contrast, those in digital product agencies or startups may find a broader range of project opportunities but potentially lower pay. Factors driving the variance in compensation include the prestige of the employer, the designer's specialization—whether in research, product design, or visual design—and the portfolio's strength. To maximize pay in this market, focusing on high-demand skills, building a compelling portfolio in tools like Figma, and strategically targeting higher-tier companies can be highly beneficial for career advancement.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
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 $74,263 for ux designersin the Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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