UX Designer Salary in Waipahu, HI: $73,052 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Waipahu, HI earns a median $73,052/year (≈ $35.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $61,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $73,052 for UX designers in 2026, Waipahu, HI offers a competitive, yet varied compensation structure. The local salary range extends significantly, from $42,370 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $113,230 for the most experienced professionals (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, reflect the evolving job market as it rebounded from the significant design layoffs experienced in 2023. While the salary is slightly below the national median of $83,320 for the same year, Waipahu's unique economic environment suggests nuances tied to local employers who are trying to attract talented designers in a rebuilding phase.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,370 | $20.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,597 | $25.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,052 | $35.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,507 | $44.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,230 | $54.44 |
Median Salary Position
12.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,860 (2026 est.). At $73,052, the local median is 12.32% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu UX Designer Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $73,052/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $74,543 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -12.32% less |
UX Designers in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $73,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.32% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $74,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,052 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,234 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$52,534
2025 BLS Actual
$68,388
2026 Current Est.
$73,052
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Waipahu (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,737 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,052 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,034 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $52,534 (2021) to $68,388 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,034 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,500 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $42,370 – $52,597 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,597 – $73,052 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,052 – $93,507 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,507 – $113,230 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Waipahu
Analyzing the local market reveals some interesting dynamics. With only 9 UX designers actively employed in the area, Waipahu’s employment scene for this profession still feels fragile but hopeful. The cost of living index currently sits at 119.3, indicating that while salaries may be lower than national averages, the purchasing power must be evaluated with housing and daily expenses in mind. Notably, tech companies such as those in the FAANG network and robust digital product agencies are likely to provide the highest salaries, alongside established in-house design teams at larger firms. Factors behind the wide pay disparity include the level of specialization, with roles focusing on research often commanding higher salaries than those in visual design. To negotiate better pay, candidates should emphasize their portfolio strength, proven impact on high-traffic applications, and consider positions that leverage stock options or equity, particularly with tech firms actively securing design talent in this period of adjustment.
More salary data for Waipahu, 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 $68,388 for ux designersin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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