UX Designer Salary in Worcester, MA: $75,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Worcester, MA earns a median $75,709/year (≈ $36.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $73,846 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for UX designers in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands at $75,709, reflecting a competitive local market when compared to the national median of $83,320. The salary range indicates significant variability, with entry-level positions earning as little as $43,006 while experienced professionals can earn up to $147,628. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the diverse employment landscape for UX designers in the area. The choice between working for a FAANG company, a digital product agency, or an in-house team greatly influences pay structures, with tech giants typically offering higher compensation packages, often augmented by stock options. As Worcester continues evolving into a hub for design talent, the opportunities for well-rounded UX professionals remain promising.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,006 | $20.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,351 | $29.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,709 | $36.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,557 | $57.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,628 | $70.97 |
Median Salary Position
9.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,622 (2026 est.). At $75,709, the local median is 9.13% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Worcester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Worcester UX Designer Pay Compares
Worcester median: $75,709/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $67,779 | +11.70% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -9.13% less |
UX Designers in Worcester, MA earn a median of $75,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.13% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 11.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $67,779.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,709 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,846 — a 2.46% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$77,570
2025 BLS Actual
$70,875
2026 Current Est.
$75,709
2021–2027 Growth
+4.3%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Worcester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $77,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,872 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew -8.6% from $77,570 (2021) to $70,875 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,302 (4.26%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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) | $43,006 – $60,351 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,351 – $75,709 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,709 – $120,557 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,557 – $147,628 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Worcester
Worcester’s UX designer job market employs around 120 professionals, a sign of a robust yet niche employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 102.523, living expenses can be slightly higher than the national average, impacting take-home pay in the area. Employers like tech giants, including FAANG companies and startups, typically offer the highest salaries, driven by their need for talented designers who can navigate complex product requirements. The disparity in compensation also stems from factors such as the level of specialization, portfolios showcasing significant projects, and the performance of design management roles. For those looking to maximize their ux designer pay in Worcester, strategies include targeting companies known for strong design systems, continuously enhancing their Figma proficiency, and building a portfolio that illustrates impactful user experience work. This combination can help leverage the unique offerings of Worcester’s design market and ensure that professionals are positioned well within the competitive landscape.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
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 $70,875 for ux designersin the Worcester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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