UX Designer Salary in Passaic, NJ: $70,462 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Passaic, NJ earns a median $70,462/year (≈ $33.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Passaic's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $61,165 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $70,462, the landscape for UX designer salaries in Passaic, New Jersey, reflects both resilience and adaptation in the wake of recent design sector layoffs. Salary estimates show a range from $40,868 for entry-level positions up to $109,216 for those at the top of the market, highlighting a diverse array of opportunities. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating how local conditions and cost-of-living adjustments play a role in compensation. Despite facing challenges, Passaic's job market for UX design remains robust, demonstrating that the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow.
About the Passaic Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($96,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,868 | $19.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,732 | $24.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,462 | $33.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,191 | $43.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,216 | $52.51 |
Median Salary Position
15.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Passaic
In Passaic, NJ, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,348 (2026 est.). At $70,462, the local median is 15.43% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Passaic: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Passaic UX Designer Pay Compares
Passaic median: $70,462/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Passaic Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $71,973 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -15.43% less |
UX Designers in Passaic, NJ earn a median of $70,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.43% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $71,973.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Passaic has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Passaic, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,462 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,165 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$50,671
2025 BLS Actual
$65,963
2026 Current Est.
$70,462
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Passaic (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $50,671 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,462 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,267 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Passaic metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $50,671 (2021) to $65,963 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,267 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,596 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Passaic 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) | $40,868 – $50,732 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,732 – $70,462 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,462 – $90,191 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,191 – $109,216 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Passaic
Currently, there are 18 UX designers employed in Passaic, a number that signifies a relatively concentrated job market for this specialty. However, the cost of living in the area, indexed at 115.2, implies that take-home pay is crucial for maintaining purchasing power. While tech giants and unicorn startups often offer the highest salaries, local agencies and in-house teams also provide viable paths for UX professionals. To maximize earnings in Passaic, designers should consider targeting high-tier tech positions or cultivating a strong portfolio that showcases in-demand skills in research and product design. Engaging with design consulting firms and exploring freelance opportunities can also increase income, especially as demand for flexible design work continues to rise in the post-2023 recovery phase.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
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 $65,963 for ux designersin the Passaic 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 Passaic 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