UX Designer Salary in Merced, CA: $81,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Merced, CA earns a median $81,724/year (≈ $39.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Merced's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,258 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, the local job market for UX designers has shown resilience in the aftermath of the 2023 layoffs that affected the tech industry significantly. Currently projected for 2026, the median annual salary sits at $81,724, which demonstrates a slight decrease compared to the national median of $83,320. The salary range for UX designers in Merced stretches from $47,399 at the 10th percentile to $126,671 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data with regional price adjustments. This context indicates that while Merced may not compete with larger tech hubs, it still offers competitive pay for entry-level to senior-level roles, reflecting a gradual recovery and adaptation of local companies in the tech sector.
About the Merced Market
Salary estimated from California average ($142,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,399 | $22.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,841 | $28.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,724 | $39.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,607 | $50.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,671 | $60.90 |
Median Salary Position
1.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merced
In Merced, CA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,272 (2026 est.). At $81,724, the local median is 1.92% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merced: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Merced UX Designer Pay Compares
Merced median: $81,724/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merced Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,078 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -1.92% less |
UX Designers in Merced, CA earn a median of $81,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.92% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.80% below the California state average of $84,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merced has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merced, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,724 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,258 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$58,770
2025 BLS Actual
$76,506
2026 Current Est.
$81,724
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Merced (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,234 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,028 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,297 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merced metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $58,770 (2021) to $76,506 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,297 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,527 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merced 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,399 – $58,841 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,841 – $81,724 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,724 – $104,607 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,607 – $126,671 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Merced
With around 20 UX designers currently employed in Merced, the market is nonetheless an appealing option for those looking to enter or advance in this field. The cost-of-living index, which stands at 113.1, highlights a reality where salaries may not stretch as far as in more expensive cities, yet local employers can offer attractive compensation packages. Notably, top-paying opportunities are often found in tech companies, particularly those working with highly trafficked applications that can leverage the unique skills of UX professionals. The variance in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as the level of company prestige, specialization in research versus product design, and the strength of the designer's portfolio. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Merced, focusing on building a strong portfolio using tools like Figma, exploring roles in high-tier tech firms, and considering contract work can be effective strategies to enhance earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,506 for ux designersin the Merced metropolitan area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Merced 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