UX Designer Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $22.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Cookeville, TN runs $22.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, Tennessee, the ux designer hourly pay is projected at $22.22 for 2026, considerably lower than the national median hourly rate of $40.06. This discrepancy highlights the economic environment of the region, where part-time ux designers working three days a week could earn around $1,066 monthly, while per-diem workers typically experience varied pay depending on the engagement type. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $12.89 per hour, allowing for gradual growth into more lucrative roles that can reach up to $34.45 per hour for seasoned professionals. In settings ranging from collaborative tech company studios to agency creative floors and remote freelancing, the hourly rates reflect the local job market and living costs, which are notably lower than the national average, making Cookeville an appealing option for those interested in the ux field.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.89 | $103.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.00 | $128.01 |
| Median (P50) | $22.22 | $177.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.45 | $227.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.45 | $275.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $22.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.22/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,662. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.74 | $3,851 | $46,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $533.25 | $2,311 | $27,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.50 | $1,540 | $18,486 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Cookeville) | $22.22 |
| Graphic Designer (National Avg) | $29.14 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.07 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $55.79 |
UX Designers in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $46,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 44.52% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $48,655.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.22/hr = $27,729/year (purchasing power: $30,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,215/year (purchasing power: $50,343).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.22/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Cookeville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Cookeville grew 30.2% from $15.98/hr (2021) to $20.80/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ux designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville 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.
Working as an Hourly UX Designer in Cookeville
Focusing on the realities of part-time and contract work, a ux designer in Cookeville may find their annual income significantly affected by their working hours. For example, a 24-hour workweek over the course of a year would yield around $18,240, a figure that remains modest compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem ux designer pay in Cookeville varies widely—experienced professionals working on project-based contracts can bill anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour, with top specialists in high-demand sectors sometimes reaching rates of $200 or more. The quality of employer factors into the hourly rate as well, encompassing opportunities with larger tech companies versus boutique agencies. Designers must weigh the benefits of stability and insurance from full-time positions against higher hourly pay from freelance roles, often negotiating pay based on experience and project scope. Understanding the local market dynamics is key when discussing pay expectations, especially as Cookeville experiences a unique blend of startup culture and more traditional design firms.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ux designers in Cookeville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cookeville 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