UX Designer Salary in Bozeman, MT: $118,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Bozeman, MT earns a median $118,252/year (≈ $56.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Bozeman's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $122,923 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, UX designers in Bozeman, Montana, can anticipate a median annual salary of $118,252, significantly higher than the national median of $83,320. The salary range for this position varies widely, from $68,586 at the lower end to $183,290 at the upper end, highlighting the impact of employer type and specialization on compensation. These figures are informed by estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. In a city where the employment scene is influenced by options among FAANG companies, design agencies, and in-house teams, the choice of employer can heavily sway compensation packages. With tech giants typically offering higher pay compared to agency roles, prospective UX designers in Bozeman must weigh these factors carefully in their career decisions.
About the Bozeman Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,586 | $32.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,462 | $41.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,252 | $56.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,363 | $72.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,290 | $88.12 |
Median Salary Position
41.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
In Bozeman, MT, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,704 (2026 est.). At $118,252, the local median is 41.93% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bozeman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bozeman UX Designer Pay Compares
Bozeman median: $118,252/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bozeman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $120,175 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | +41.93% more |
UX Designers in Bozeman, MT earn a median of $118,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.93% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 1.60% below the Montana state average of $120,175.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bozeman has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bozeman, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $118,252 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $122,923 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$85,038
2025 BLS Actual
$110,702
2026 Current Est.
$118,252
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Bozeman (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $85,038 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,502 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,317 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bozeman metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $85,038 (2021) to $110,702 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,317 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,279 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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) | $68,586 – $85,462 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,462 – $118,252 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,252 – $151,363 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,363 – $183,290 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Bozeman
Bozeman’s job market features a relatively modest workforce of 14 UX designers, making it a unique, albeit competitive environment for new and seasoned professionals alike. While the cost-of-living index sits below the national average at 96.2, meaning your take-home pay stretches further, the real monetary value of salaries tends to be impacted by the limited number of high-paying employers. Among the best payers are tech firms, particularly those resembling FAANG with their sophisticated pay structures, including significant RSUs and equity options. In contrast, design consulting firms and boutique agencies may offer less extravagant packages but could appeal to those seeking varied project experiences. The variance in salaries stems from specialties as well; for example, designers focused on research or high-profile portfolios command higher compensation. To maximize earnings, candidates in Bozeman should consider honing their skills in high-demand areas, such as design systems or UX research, to align with top-tier employers and enhance their portfolios with impactful projects developed in Figma.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 $110,702 for ux designersin the Bozeman 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 Bozeman 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