UX Designer Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $27.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Appleton, WI runs $27.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,687 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Appleton, the financial outlook for UX designers is shaped by the median hourly pay of $27.73. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $40.06, highlighting a substantial pay gap that could impact professionals' decisions on where to work. Part-time UX designers, for example, typically working three days a week could expect to earn around $26,000 annually at this rate, making freelance, per-diem, or contract opportunities attractive alternatives. The hourly range for entry-level designers starts at approximately $16.09, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $42.98, reflecting the varied experiences and skills within design environments that include tech company design studios, agency floors, and hybrid remote setups utilizing tools like Figma.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.09 | $128.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.19 | $161.51 |
| Median (P50) | $27.73 | $221.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.50 | $283.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.98 | $343.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $27.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.73/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $57,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,277. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,109.22 | $4,807 | $57,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.53 | $2,884 | $34,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.69 | $1,923 | $23,072 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Appleton) | $27.73 |
| 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 Appleton, WI earn a median of $57,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.76% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $58,388.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.73/hr = $34,608/year (purchasing power: $37,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,679/year (purchasing power: $61,755).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$19.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.73/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Appleton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Appleton grew 30.2% from $19.94/hr (2021) to $25.96/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.62/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 Appleton 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 Appleton
For those considering part-time work as a UX designer in Appleton, the financial landscape offers both opportunities and challenges. The income from a part-time position, based on a typical schedule, can lead to a take-home that varies greatly compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem roles are often seen in the industry, where contract designers can charge upwards of $75 to $150 per hour, while highly experienced professionals may bill between $125 and $250 per hour. Various employer types influence pay significantly; tech companies, agencies, and in-house teams all have different compensation structures. While some may prefer the stability and benefits of full-time employment, others opt for higher hourly rates with contracts, trading off job security for flexibility. Negotiation strategies become vital in this environment, particularly in securing a rate that reflects both skill level and the current market conditions in Appleton, making it essential for UX designers to stay informed and adaptable in their career progression.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
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 Appleton. 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 Appleton 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