UX Designer Salary in Boulder, CO: $112,081 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Boulder, CO earns a median $112,081/year (≈ $53.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $106,539 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 70.8% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, CO, the projected median annual salary for UX designers sits at $112,081. This figure significantly outpaces the national median of $83,320, representing a substantial difference of 34.52%. The salary range for this role in Boulder varies widely, with the lowest 10% earning about $60,768 and the top 90% making as much as $167,817. These insights emerge from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicating a strong local job market for UX designers. It’s also worth noting that growth in this sector is anticipated at 6.82% annually, hinting at a positive trajectory for professionals in the field. With the combination of a healthy salary landscape and ongoing market demand, Boulder presents a compelling opportunity for aspiring and seasoned UX designers alike.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,768 | $29.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,697 | $40.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,081 | $53.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,123 | $67.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,817 | $80.68 |
Median Salary Position
34.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,049 (2026 est.). At $112,081, the local median is 34.52% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder UX Designer Pay Compares
Boulder median: $112,081/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $65,621 | +70.80% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | +34.52% more |
UX Designers in Boulder, CO earn a median of $112,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.52% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 70.80% above the Colorado state average of $65,621.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,081 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,539 — a 4.94% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$80,110
2025 BLS Actual
$104,925
2026 Current Est.
$112,081
2021–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Boulder (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $80,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,925 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,081 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,725 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 31.0% from $80,110 (2021) to $104,925 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,725 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,615 (49.45%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $60,768 – $83,697 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,697 – $112,081 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,081 – $141,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,123 – $167,817 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Boulder
The local job market currently supports around 360 UX designers, reflecting solid demand despite broader industry fluctuations in recent years. Boulder’s cost of living index is slightly elevated at 105.202, meaning that while salaries are higher, the purchasing power may not stretch as far as in other regions with lower living costs. In terms of compensation, large tech companies like FAANG typically offer the highest salaries, especially for roles that require in-depth experience with Figma and design systems. These organizations also often include stock options or equity as part of their compensation packages. The broad range in pay can be attributed to various factors, including company tiers, design specialties, and portfolio strength. UX designers looking to maximize earnings should prioritize building a robust portfolio showcasing significant projects and consider moving into higher-paying sectors, such as tech or consulting, where the potential for increased compensation is more substantial.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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 $104,925 for ux designersin the Boulder 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
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