UX Designer Salary in Tacoma, WA: $105,375 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Tacoma, WA earns a median $105,375/year (≈ $50.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $98,115 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 40.0% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median salary for UX designers in Tacoma, Washington, is projected to reach $105,375, significantly surpassing the national median of $83,320. Local market estimates place earnings for professionals in this field between $61,117 and $163,331, highlighting a diverse range of income potential that reflects Tacoma's unique blend of employers. Following the post-2023 design layoffs across the tech industry, Tacoma’s market has adapted, absorbing talent and stabilizing job opportunities for UX designers. As companies pivot to strengthen their design offerings, the demand for skilled professionals continues to show robust growth, providing an encouraging outlook for those entering or advancing in this field.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($139,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,117 | $29.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,870 | $36.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,375 | $50.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,879 | $64.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,331 | $78.52 |
Median Salary Position
26.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,214 (2026 est.). At $105,375, the local median is 26.47% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma UX Designer Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $105,375/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $75,268 | +40.00% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | +26.47% more |
UX Designers in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $105,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.47% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 40.00% above the Washington state average of $75,268.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,375 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,115 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$75,778
2025 BLS Actual
$98,647
2026 Current Est.
$105,375
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Tacoma (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $75,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,468 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,309 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,375 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,561 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $75,778 (2021) to $98,647 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,783 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $61,117 – $75,870 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,870 – $105,375 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,375 – $134,879 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,879 – $163,331 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Tacoma
As of 2026, Tacoma employs around 56 UX designers, contributing to a competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals in this area will need to carefully consider their take-home pay and its impact on purchasing power. Leading employers, especially tech giants like those found in the FAANG group, typically offer higher salaries, including the benefits of stock options. This landscape contrasts with roles in boutiques or smaller consulting firms, where pay scales may align closer to the city’s lower ranges. Variability in compensation is influenced by factors such as company tier, specialty in design, and individual portfolio strength—heavily trafficked apps often command a premium. Understanding these dynamics can empower UX designers in Tacoma to negotiate effectively and maximize their earning potential in a still-recovering and evolving job market.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $98,647 for ux designersin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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