UX Designer Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $59,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Pinehurst, NC earns a median $59,800/year (≈ $28.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Pinehurst's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $63,889 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, UX designers in Pinehurst, North Carolina, can anticipate a median salary of $59,800, which is significantly lower than the national median of $83,320, spotlighting the unique pay dynamics in the region. The salary range for this role spans from $34,684 at the 10th percentile to $92,690 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied opportunities based on skill level, specialization, and the type of organization. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, providing a localized context for understanding UX designer compensation. The choice between working for FAANG companies, digital agencies, or in-house teams can notably influence earning potential, with tech giants typically offering higher salaries and equity options compared to smaller agencies or non-tech firms prevalent in Pinehurst's market.
About the Pinehurst Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($99,200) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,684 | $16.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,991 | $21.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,800 | $28.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,544 | $36.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,690 | $44.57 |
Median Salary Position
28.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, NC, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,006 (2026 est.). At $59,800, the local median is 28.23% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pinehurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pinehurst UX Designer Pay Compares
Pinehurst median: $59,800/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pinehurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,509 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -28.23% less |
UX Designers in Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $59,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.23% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 7.30% below the North Carolina state average of $64,509.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pinehurst 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.
Pinehurst, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $59,800 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,889 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,004
2025 BLS Actual
$55,982
2026 Current Est.
$59,800
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Pinehurst (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,878 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pinehurst metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $43,004 (2021) to $55,982 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,878 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,874 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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) | $34,684 – $43,991 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,991 – $59,800 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,800 – $76,544 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,544 – $92,690 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Pinehurst
With only four UX designers currently employed in Pinehurst, the local job market for this role is relatively small yet stable. The cost of living index sits at 93.6, suggesting that while salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power might still be reasonable due to reduced living costs. Among employers in Pinehurst, in-house product design teams at non-tech organizations often provide competitive salaries compared to boutique consulting firms and startups. The divergence in pay can often be attributed to the tier of company and the particular design specialty, such as those focused on research or product design. To maximize earnings in this local market, UX designers should hone their portfolios, potentially targeting high-traffic applications and showcasing their expertise in design systems, which are becoming increasingly important. Collaborating on projects that leverage Figma might also position designers favorably in an evolving market.
More salary data for Pinehurst, 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 $55,982 for ux designersin the Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst 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