Designs user interfaces, runs research, prototypes flows. Senior PDs earn close to PMs.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for UX / Product Designers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $77,200 | $55,800 | $101,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $95,900 | $69,400 | $126,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $110,300 | $79,800 | $145,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $132,300 | $95,700 | $174,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $150,000 | $108,500 | $197,200 |
Top 10 states by median UX / Product Designer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $160,000 | $121,600 | $207,900 | +45% |
| Washington DC | $154,400 | $117,400 | $200,800 | +40% |
| Washington | $148,900 | $113,200 | $193,600 | +35% |
| New York | $145,600 | $110,700 | $189,300 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $143,400 | $109,000 | $186,400 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $139,000 | $105,600 | $180,700 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $133,500 | $101,400 | $173,500 | +21% |
| Maryland | $132,400 | $100,600 | $172,100 | +20% |
| Colorado | $129,100 | $98,100 | $167,800 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $125,800 | $95,600 | $163,500 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $93,800 | $71,300 | $121,900 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $92,700 | $70,400 | $120,500 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $92,700 | $70,400 | $120,500 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $92,700 | $70,400 | $120,500 | -16% |
| Alabama | $91,600 | $69,600 | $119,000 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $91,600 | $69,600 | $119,000 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $88,300 | $67,100 | $114,700 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $88,300 | $67,100 | $114,700 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $86,000 | $65,400 | $111,900 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $86,000 | $65,400 | $111,900 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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