Senior UX Designer Salary in Burbank, CA: $128,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $128,766/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,851 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, experienced UX designers are positioned to command top-tier compensation, particularly for those who hone their skills and achieve senior-level roles. The projected 2026 median annual salary of $83,075 reflects a healthy growth rate of 6.82% since 2025. However, for senior UX designers looking to maximize their earnings, the potential increases significantly, with top earners (P90) reaching as high as $128,766 annually. This represents a substantial gap between the median and the highest salaries, showing that experience, specialization, and successful project outcomes can drive exceptional pay in the competitive Burbank market. Achieving such salary levels often requires not only years of hands-on experience but also a strong portfolio showcasing impactful design work, particularly in high-demand areas such as design systems or accessibility.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($142,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $106,336 and $128,766 per year (2026 est.). This $80,583 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $83,075 sits 0.29% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,075 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,336 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $128,766 | $161,472 |
In Burbank, experienced ux designers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top UX Designer Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $83,075 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,336–$128,766 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ux designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ux designers in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
UX Designers in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
UX Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #113 of 156 California cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $128,766).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Burbank ($128,766) is 26.55% below the California average P90 ($175,303).
2021 BLS Actual
$100,599
2025 BLS Actual
$120,545
2026 Current Est.
$128,766
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Burbank (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $100,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,391 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,557 | Actual |
| 2024 | $247,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,545 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,548 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $100,599 in 2021 to $120,545 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $137,548 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your UX Designer Earnings in Burbank
Compensation structures for senior UX designers in Burbank vary notably based on the type of employer. Those working at major tech firms like FAANG or leading companies such as Microsoft and Adobe typically enjoy higher salaries compared to those in boutique design agencies or non-tech sectors. Specializations in UX research, interaction design, and product design are especially lucrative, with professionals excelling in these areas often seeing higher pay. Advancement in this field can lead to roles like principal designer or design director, positioning individuals for further career growth and recognition. To enhance pay prospects in California, many designers pursue advanced credentials and fluency in tools like Figma, while building a strong portfolio is essential for standing out in a competitive job market. Elements such as equity and RSU compensation packages also add significant value in determining total remuneration, particularly in the tech sector.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Burbank?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Burbank?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Burbank?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $120,545 for ux designers in the Burbank metro area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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