UX Designer Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $61,069 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Williamsburg, VA earns a median $61,069/year (≈ $29.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Williamsburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $59,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williamsburg, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for UX designers in 2026 is set at $61,069, reflecting a notable adjustment in the local market after the wave of layoffs that impacted the tech sector in 2023. The local salary range extends from $35,420 at the 10th percentile to $94,657 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied landscape of compensation based on experience and expertise. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, revealing a somewhat constrained local market when compared to the national median of $83,320 for the same year. Despite this lower median, the Williamsburg job market remains stable, with the demand for UX design capabilities continuing to grow as local companies adapt to recent economic shifts.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,420 | $17.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,969 | $21.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,069 | $29.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,169 | $37.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,657 | $45.51 |
Median Salary Position
26.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, VA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,237 (2026 est.). At $61,069, the local median is 26.71% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Williamsburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Williamsburg UX Designer Pay Compares
Williamsburg median: $61,069/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Williamsburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $64,487 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -26.71% less |
UX Designers in Williamsburg, VA earn a median of $61,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.71% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $64,487.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Williamsburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Williamsburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,069 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,175 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,916
2025 BLS Actual
$57,170
2026 Current Est.
$61,069
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Williamsburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,758 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,069 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,234 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Williamsburg metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $43,916 (2021) to $57,170 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,234 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,318 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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) | $35,420 – $43,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,969 – $61,069 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,069 – $78,169 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,169 – $94,657 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Williamsburg
The employment of five UX designers in the Williamsburg area paints a picture of a niche yet developing field, evident given the cost of living index of 103.2, which hints at slightly elevated living costs. For designers, this translates to a pressing need to maximize their take-home pay to maintain purchasing power. High-paying opportunities might be found primarily within tech companies like FAANG and other major firms, offering lucrative packages inclusive of RSUs, or through in-house product design teams at larger organizations. The disparities in ux designer pay in Williamsburg VA arise from a mix of factors, including the prestige of the employing company, the specific design specialty, and the strength of the designer’s portfolio. A standout portfolio featuring successful products or apps can command higher salaries, particularly in the context of a competitive market seeking specialized skills such as design systems expertise. To boost compensation, designers in Williamsburg should focus on enhancing their portfolios and considering roles with established firms that prioritize both innovative design and robust compensation structures.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
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 $57,170 for ux designersin the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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