UX Designer Salary in Matthews, NC: $63,776 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Matthews, NC earns a median $63,776/year (≈ $30.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Matthews's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $68,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for UX designers in Matthews, North Carolina, stands at $63,776, which is significantly lower than the national median of $83,320. This salary range reflects the diverse opportunities in the area, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $36,990 and high-end roles reaching up to $98,852. Crafting a career as a UX designer in Matthews involves deciding between focusing on individual contributor roles or pursuing managerial positions, each with distinct financial peaks. The figures presented here are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors, highlighting the unique employment landscape in Matthews where the demand for skilled designers remains evident.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($99,200) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,990 | $17.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,919 | $22.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,776 | $30.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,633 | $39.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,852 | $47.52 |
Median Salary Position
23.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
In Matthews, NC, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,862 (2026 est.). At $63,776, the local median is 23.46% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Matthews: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Matthews UX Designer Pay Compares
Matthews median: $63,776/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Matthews Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,485 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -23.46% less |
UX Designers in Matthews, NC earn a median of $63,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.46% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $64,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Matthews has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Matthews, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $63,776 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,137 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$45,863
2025 BLS Actual
$59,704
2026 Current Est.
$63,776
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Matthews (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,786 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,704 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,776 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,125 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Matthews metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $45,863 (2021) to $59,704 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,262 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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) | $36,990 – $45,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,919 – $63,776 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,776 – $81,633 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,633 – $98,852 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Matthews
The job market for UX designers in Matthews features a small but dedicated group, with only eight professionals currently employed in this field. With a cost-of-living index at 93.6, living expenses in Matthews are below the national average, allowing for a more comfortable purchasing power despite the local salary figures. Leading employers, particularly those in tech, often provide higher compensation, particularly for roles at established companies in the industry. However, the variation in salaries can be influenced by several factors including company prestige, the designer's portfolio effectiveness, and the specialty area—ranging from research to visual design. In this environment, maximizing pay opportunities involves networking with local firms, enhancing design portfolios with high-traffic projects, and considering freelance opportunities or contracts that can supplement income. Such strategies can help navigate the nuances of UX designer pay in Matthews, NC.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
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 $59,704 for ux designersin the Matthews 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 Matthews 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