UX Designer Salary in Akron, OH: $62,482 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Akron, OH earns a median $62,482/year (≈ $30.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Akron's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $66,919 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median pay of $62,482 for UX designers in Akron, Ohio, potential earnings showcase a significant contrast compared to national figures, where the median stands at $83,320. The full salary range in the city varies from $34,241 at the lower 10th percentile to a maximum of $105,232 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear overview of the potential financial landscapes for designers depending on their chosen career paths. This data derives from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicating a robust yet nuanced market for design professionals. For those considering employment in this sector, choices between FAANG companies, digital agencies, or in-house teams can distinctly affect remuneration; typically, FAANG roles tend to offer higher salaries and stock options, while agencies and non-tech environments may provide more variety in projects.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,241 | $16.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,280 | $21.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,482 | $30.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,657 | $37.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,232 | $50.59 |
Median Salary Position
25.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
In Akron, OH, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,991 (2026 est.). At $62,482, the local median is 25.01% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Akron: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Akron UX Designer Pay Compares
Akron median: $62,482/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Akron Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $64,415 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -25.01% less |
UX Designers in Akron, OH earn a median of $62,482 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.01% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.00% below the Ohio state average of $64,415.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Akron has a cost of living 6.63% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Akron, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $62,482 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,919 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.1% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$19,310
2025 BLS Actual
$58,493
2026 Current Est.
$62,482
2021–2027 Growth
+245.6%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Akron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,482 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,744 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Akron metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 202.9% from $19,310 (2021) to $58,493 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,744 by 2027 — a total increase of $47,434 (245.64%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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) | $34,241 – $44,280 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,280 – $62,482 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,482 – $78,657 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,657 – $105,232 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Akron
The local job market currently employs approximately 110 UX designers, reflecting a growing field with a projected annual growth rate of 6.82%. While the cost of living index in Akron stands at 93.37—below the national average—this can translate to more favorable conditions for spending compared to larger cities. Employers like major tech firms often present the highest salaries, especially those within the FAANG circle or significant tech players like Microsoft and Adobe. However, design boutiques and consulting firms can offer competitive packages, particularly for those with strong portfolios that showcase experience in heavily-trafficked apps. The variance in pay often links directly to the employer's tier, the specific design specialty, and the designer's level in the management track. To maximize earning potential, professionals are encouraged to hone their skills in Figma, cultivate a strong portfolio, and pursue roles where research and specialization are prioritized, establishing themselves in Akron's evolving design ecosystem.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 $58,493 for ux designersin the Akron 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