Senior UX Designer Salary in Billings, MT: $192,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,066/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,653 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
Excelling as an experienced UX designer in Billings, MT, can translate to substantial financial rewards, especially for those reaching for the top end of the salary spectrum. In 2026, the median annual salary for a senior UX designer is projected at $123,913. However, professionals who position themselves among the highest earners can command salaries rising to $192,066 at the 90th percentile, which is notably higher than the national top earners' average. This dramatic disparity between the median and top-tier compensation underscores the experience premium available in this specific market. To tap into this lucrative opportunity, designers will need to cultivate advanced skills, build a robust portfolio, and often have a track record of successful projects within a dynamic design environment.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $158,610 and $192,066 per year (2026 est.). This $120,196 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $123,913 sits 48.72% above the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $123,913 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,610 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $192,066 | $161,472 |
In Billings, 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 Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $123,913 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $158,610–$192,066 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #1 of 7 Montana cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $192,066).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Billings ($192,066) is 3.69% above the Montana average P90 ($185,240).
2021 BLS Actual
$150,051
2025 BLS Actual
$179,803
2026 Current Est.
$192,066
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $150,051 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $179,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $205,164 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $150,051 in 2021 to $179,803 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 $205,164 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
In Billings, various specializations can significantly boost the senior UX designer pay. Roles such as UX researchers, interaction and visual designers, as well as product designers, can expect higher compensation as organizations increasingly value these specific skills. Furthermore, compensation varies considerably depending on the type of employer; top tech firms and product agencies tend to pay more than traditional companies or boutique consulting firms. Career advancement opportunities abound as well, with clear paths from senior designer to either principal designer or management roles like design director, reflecting the need for both design and leadership skills. Credentials, particularly in UX and related fields, along with proficiency in tools like Figma and a strong portfolio, are critical in this competitive market. In addition to salary, factors like company reputation and equity options can enrich the overall compensation package for senior positions in Billings, MT.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Billings?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Billings?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Billings?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Billings?
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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 $179,803 for ux designers in the Billings 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 Billings 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