UX Designer Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $68,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $68,801/year (≈ $33.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $62,947 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for a UX designer in Gaithersburg, Maryland, stands at $68,801 in 2026, reflecting a notable gap of 17.43% compared to the national median of $83,320. For local talent, salaries range from $39,905 at the lower end to a high of $106,641 for those in the top percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data along with regional price adjustments, indicate a competitive environment for UX designers aiming to balance their career paths between individual contributor roles and management tracks. As companies increasingly seek specialized skill sets, designers with expertise in Figma and design systems may find themselves positioned favorably in the local job market.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($100,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,905 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,537 | $23.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,801 | $33.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,065 | $42.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,641 | $51.27 |
Median Salary Position
17.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,736 (2026 est.). At $68,801, the local median is 17.43% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gaithersburg UX Designer Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $68,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $68,322 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -17.43% less |
UX Designers in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $68,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.43% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $68,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,801 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,947 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$49,476
2025 BLS Actual
$64,408
2026 Current Est.
$68,801
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Gaithersburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $49,476 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,551 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,027 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,493 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $49,476 (2021) to $64,408 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,493 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,017 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $39,905 – $49,537 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,537 – $68,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,801 – $88,065 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,065 – $106,641 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Gaithersburg
The job market in Gaithersburg is currently home to 14 UX designers, representing a modest but steady employment landscape. With a cost of living index at 109.3, which is above the national average, the purchasing power for local designers can be affected. Major employers in the area, particularly tech companies, tend to offer the highest salaries, especially those in the FAANG group and top-tier firms like Microsoft and Adobe. The disparity in salaries often arises from company type, with FAANG and high-valuation companies providing lucrative stock options and substantial base salaries, while design consulting firms and agencies generally offer more varied project work at comparatively lower pay. To maximize earnings in Gaithersburg, focusing on a strong portfolio that highlights impactful, heavily-trafficked applications, and pursuing opportunities in high-tier tech firms or robust consulting roles could yield significant advantages in compensation.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
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 $64,408 for ux designersin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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