UX Designer Salary in Ashland, KY: $53,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Ashland, KY earns a median $53,087/year (≈ $25.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $59,448 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, the 2026 projected median annual salary for UX designers is $53,087, reflecting a significant gap compared to the national median of $83,320. The local salary range for this occupation varies widely, from $30,791 at the lower end to $82,286 at the upper echelon, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in the area. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these figures are adjusted for regional cost variations, providing a local perspective on UX designer pay in Ashland, KY. Notably, the structural choice between working for FAANG companies, agencies, or in-house teams affects earning potential greatly, with those in top-tier firms likely securing higher compensation while also experiencing more demanding expectations.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($80,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,791 | $14.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,223 | $18.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,087 | $25.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,951 | $32.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,286 | $39.56 |
Median Salary Position
36.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,495 (2026 est.). At $53,087, the local median is 36.29% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland UX Designer Pay Compares
Ashland median: $53,087/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $55,823 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -36.29% less |
UX Designers in Ashland, KY earn a median of $53,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.29% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 4.90% below the Kentucky state average of $55,823.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $53,087 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,448 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,177
2025 BLS Actual
$49,698
2026 Current Est.
$53,087
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Ashland (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,778 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,089 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,698 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,708 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $38,177 (2021) to $49,698 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,708 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,531 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $30,791 – $38,223 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,223 – $53,087 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,087 – $67,951 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,951 – $82,286 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Ashland
The job market for UX designers in Ashland is relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the field, but the cost-of-living index is favorable at 89.3, suggesting that salaries stretch further here than in many other regions. While local tech companies and consulting firms may offer the highest salaries, opportunities within non-tech in-house teams can also be lucrative, depending on specialty and experience. The variance in pay is driven by several factors, including the strength of the candidate's portfolio, with stronger projects in widely used applications often commanding higher remuneration. To maximize income potential in this market, aspiring UX designers should focus on building relevant experience, refining their skills in tools like Figma, and seeking opportunities that allow for a blend of design research and product development, thus setting themselves apart in a competitive field.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
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 $49,698 for ux designersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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