UX Designer Salary in Pendleton, OR: $61,591 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Pendleton, OR earns a median $61,591/year (≈ $29.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $60,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, the projected median annual salary for UX designers in 2026 is $61,591, a figure that reflects the local market adaptation following widespread layoffs in the design industry during 2023 and 2024. As companies from various sectors seek to rebuild their design teams, the salary range for these professionals is broad, spanning from $35,723 at the lower end to $95,466 at the upper end. These estimates, derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data adjusted for regional price levels, indicate both opportunities and competition for UX designers looking to establish or advance their careers in this small but promising Oregon market. With only five registered UX designers in Pendleton, the local landscape offers a unique environment for both recent graduates and experienced professionals seeking to make their mark.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($114,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,723 | $17.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,345 | $21.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,591 | $29.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,837 | $37.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,466 | $45.90 |
Median Salary Position
26.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,743 (2026 est.). At $61,591, the local median is 26.08% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton UX Designer Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $61,591/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $64,091 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -26.08% less |
UX Designers in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $61,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.08% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $64,091.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,591 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,030 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$44,292
2025 BLS Actual
$57,659
2026 Current Est.
$61,591
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Pendleton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,632 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,361 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,659 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,591 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,792 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $44,292 (2021) to $57,659 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,500 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $35,723 – $44,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,345 – $61,591 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,591 – $78,837 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,837 – $95,466 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Pendleton
Despite the seemingly modest compensation compared to national averages, the cost of living in Pendleton, at an index of 102.6, impacts take-home pay and purchasing power significantly. With just five UX designers currently employed in the area, compensation often aligns with the strategic choices of employers ranging from local companies to larger players that might pay at higher tiers due to their prestigious status. Employers in Pendleton, particularly those in the tech sector or design agencies, generally offer better salaries compared to non-tech firms. Differences in pay can stem from factors such as company stature, job specialty, and the strength of one's portfolio. For designers looking to boost their earnings, honing skills in areas like design systems and Figma proficiency, while actively seeking opportunities with higher-paying firms or exploring freelance avenues, can provide a strategic advantage in maximizing their earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
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 $57,659 for ux designersin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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