UX Designer Salary in Arlington, TX: $81,755 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Arlington, TX earns a median $81,755/year (≈ $39.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $85,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $81,755 projected for 2026, Arlington, TX stands as an attractive location for UX designers considering their career trajectory. The local salary range spans from $47,417 at the 10th percentile to $126,719 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied landscape of UX pay depending on employers. While this figure is slightly below the national median of $83,320, it is essential for potential candidates to understand that compensation can differ substantially based on the type of organization they choose—FAANG companies often offer premium rates and stock options, while agency roles tend to feature broader responsibilities but potentially lower base pay. This dynamic creates both opportunities and challenges for UX professionals as they weigh their career options in Arlington's evolving job market.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($101,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,417 | $22.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,863 | $28.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,755 | $39.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,646 | $50.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,719 | $60.92 |
Median Salary Position
1.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, TX, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,302 (2026 est.). At $81,755, the local median is 1.88% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington UX Designer Pay Compares
Arlington median: $81,755/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $73,323 | +11.50% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -1.88% less |
UX Designers in Arlington, TX earn a median of $81,755 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 11.50% above the Texas state average of $73,323.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $81,755 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,161 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$58,792
2025 BLS Actual
$76,535
2026 Current Est.
$81,755
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Arlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,792 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,535 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,755 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,330 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $58,792 (2021) to $76,535 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,330 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,538 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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) | $47,417 – $58,863 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,863 – $81,755 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,755 – $104,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,646 – $126,719 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Arlington
In terms of job availability, there are currently 83 UX designers employed in Arlington, indicating a relatively small but specialized market. The cost of living index in the area stands at 96, slightly below the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of salaries may be more favorable than it appears when simply looking at the compensation figures. Among local employers, tech giants like Microsoft and Adobe tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller consulting firms or in-house design teams at non-tech companies. The disparity in pay is influenced by factors such as the tier of the company, the specialization of skills—research-heavy UX roles usually command higher salaries—and the strength of one’s portfolio. For those keen on maximizing their UX designer pay in Arlington, focusing on building a strong portfolio showcasing work on heavily-trafficked apps and considering opportunities in high-tier tech firms can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
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 $76,535 for ux designersin the Arlington 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 Arlington 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