UX Designer Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $71,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $71,787/year (≈ $34.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $66,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the wake of the 2023 design layoffs that affected many in the tech industry, the local job market in Ellensburg, WA, has managed to maintain resilience. With a projected median annual salary of $71,787 for UX designers in 2026, the pay here reflects a notable contrast to the national average of $83,320, indicating a gap of 13.84%. The salary range for this role extends from $41,636 at the 10th percentile to $111,270 at the 90th percentile, which highlights a diverse landscape of opportunities within the local market. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, adjusted for the regional cost of living. Despite being less than national figures, Ellensburg remains an absorbing location for UX talent, especially considering its unique market dynamics.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($139,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,636 | $20.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,687 | $24.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,787 | $34.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,888 | $44.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,270 | $53.50 |
Median Salary Position
13.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,634 (2026 est.). At $71,787, the local median is 13.84% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg UX Designer Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $71,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $75,249 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -13.84% less |
UX Designers in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $71,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.84% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $75,249.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,787 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,841 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$51,624
2025 BLS Actual
$67,204
2026 Current Est.
$71,787
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Ellensburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,624 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,789 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,204 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,683 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $51,624 (2021) to $67,204 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,683 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,059 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $41,636 – $51,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,687 – $71,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,787 – $91,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,888 – $111,270 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Ellensburg
While there are only six UX designers currently employed in Ellensburg, the demand for talent in this field is steady due to the community's growth and economic needs. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, indicating that living expenses are slightly higher than the national average. This means that while salaries may lag behind larger metropolitan areas, the overall quality of life can be favorable. Among local employers, tech companies and startups may offer the highest pay, following the trend of higher compensation in FAANG and unicorn firms, while agencies and in-house teams can provide a broader range of project experiences. The breadth of pay disparities often stems from various factors like company tier, design specialty, and individual portfolio strength. Aspiring designers in Ellensburg should focus on building a compelling portfolio that showcases impactful projects and consider roles that offer stock options or equity for potential long-term financial benefits.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
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 $67,204 for ux designersin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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