UX Designer Salary in Cambridge, MA: $95,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Cambridge, MA earns a median $95,618/year (≈ $45.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $88,127 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 41.0% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated salary for UX designers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is projected to be $95,618, which reflects a significant premium compared to the national average of $83,320. The pay scale ranges from $55,459 at the lower end (P10) to $148,207 for top earners (P90), illustrating a wide disparity that can hinge on the choice of employer. Designers working in prominent tech companies, particularly those within the FAANG group, tend to enjoy the highest compensation packages, often bolstered by stock options and bonuses. In contrast, agencies and in-house design teams may offer varying pay structures that reflect the breadth of work and specialization within their roles. The figures presented here are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and are influenced by local cost adjustments relevant to the Cambridge market.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($115,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,459 | $26.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,844 | $33.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,618 | $45.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,391 | $58.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,207 | $71.25 |
Median Salary Position
14.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,748 (2026 est.). At $95,618, the local median is 14.76% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge UX Designer Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $95,618/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $67,814 | +41.00% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | +14.76% more |
UX Designers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $95,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.76% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 41.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $67,814.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,618 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,127 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$68,761
2025 BLS Actual
$89,513
2026 Current Est.
$95,618
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Cambridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $68,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,645 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,814 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,869 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,139 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $68,761 (2021) to $89,513 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,378 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $55,459 – $68,844 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,844 – $95,618 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,618 – $122,391 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,391 – $148,207 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Cambridge
The job market for UX designers in Cambridge remains strong, with approximately 22 professionals currently employed in the field. The local cost-of-living index sits at a notable 108.5, which could impact the real purchasing power of designers' salaries, making it crucial to consider this factor when evaluating offers. Among local employers, FAANG companies typically provide the highest salaries, particularly for roles focused on user experience research and complex product design. Factors influencing the pay range include company prestige, the specific design specialty, and the strength of a designer's portfolio. To maximize earning potential in this highly competitive market, designers should aim to showcase high-profile projects that demonstrate extensive user engagement, consider specializing in in-demand areas such as design systems, and be open to exploring roles at both established companies and startups.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $89,513 for ux designersin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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