Senior UX Designer Salary in Akron, OH: $105,232 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,232/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $112,704 in average-cost America. The 68% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior UX designers in Akron, Ohio, stand to earn significantly as they reach the upper tiers of the profession. In 2026, the top-tier earners (P90) can expect an annual salary of $105,232, with those at the P75 level earning about $78,657. This highlights the considerable gap between the median salary of $62,482 and the impressive compensation seen within the highest earners. Achieving such a salary requires navigating the competitive landscape of senior roles, specializing in areas that command premium pay, and continuously demonstrating a robust portfolio that showcases both creativity and technical proficiency. The potential for significant earnings positions experienced UX designers in Akron in a favorable light as they leverage their expertise to meet the evolving needs of organizations in various sectors.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $78,657 and $105,232 per year (2026 est.). This $70,991 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $62,482 sits 25.01% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,482 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,657 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,232 | $161,472 |
In Akron, experienced ux designers (P90) earn 68.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top UX Designer Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $62,482 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,657–$105,232 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron 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 Akron 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 Ohio 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 Akron
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #5 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $105,232).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Akron ($105,232) is 6.28% below the Ohio average P90 ($112,279).
2021 BLS Actual
$99,560
2025 BLS Actual
$98,513
2026 Current Est.
$105,232
2021–2027 Growth
+12.9%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Akron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $99,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,232 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,408 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow -1.1% from $99,560 in 2021 to $98,513 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 $112,408 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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 Akron
Compensation for seasoned UX professionals in Akron varies greatly depending on specialization and employer type. Areas such as UX research, interaction design, and accessibility are highly valued, allowing those who possess expertise to command a premium. Additionally, the difference between working at tech giants like FAANG companies and boutique agencies is notable; positions in top-tier tech firms often come with higher salaries and equity options, while agencies may offer broader project exposure. Graduate-level credentials and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma can further enhance earning potential. Senior-level career pathways often lead to positions such as design director or product manager, where salaries can leap, reflecting a transition from individual contributor to leadership roles. As the market evolves, especially in the wake of the 2023 tech layoffs, strategic career planning and specialization become essential for maximizing the senior UX designer pay in OH.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Akron?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Akron?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Akron?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Akron?
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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 $98,513 for ux designers in the Akron 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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