UX Designer Salary in Upper Arlington, OH: $61,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Upper Arlington, OH earns a median $61,047/year (≈ $29.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Upper Arlington's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $67,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upper Arlington, Ohio, the compensation for UX designers has a median of $61,047 in 2026, reflecting a significant difference compared to the national median of $83,320. This wage indicates the unique local environment, where the salary range extends from $35,407 at the lower tenth percentile to $94,622 at the ninetieth. While UX designer pay in Upper Arlington may seem modest when viewed through the national lens, the figures are shaped by local cost-of-living adjustments and the structural choices designers make regarding their career paths. Those opting for roles in FAANG companies typically enjoy higher earnings, supplemented by equity but often face narrower scopes of work. In contrast, designers in agencies or consulting roles may earn less but gain a broader range of project experience, leading to diverse career development opportunities.
About the Upper Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($96,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,407 | $17.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,953 | $21.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,047 | $29.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,140 | $37.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,622 | $45.49 |
Median Salary Position
26.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Upper Arlington
In Upper Arlington, OH, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,215 (2026 est.). At $61,047, the local median is 26.73% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Upper Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Upper Arlington UX Designer Pay Compares
Upper Arlington median: $61,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Upper Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $64,395 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -26.73% less |
UX Designers in Upper Arlington, OH earn a median of $61,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.73% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.20% below the Ohio state average of $64,395.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Upper Arlington has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Upper Arlington, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $61,047 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,307 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,900
2025 BLS Actual
$57,149
2026 Current Est.
$61,047
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Upper Arlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,741 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,210 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Upper Arlington metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $43,900 (2021) to $57,149 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,210 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,310 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Upper Arlington 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) | $35,407 – $43,953 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,953 – $61,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,047 – $78,140 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,140 – $94,622 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Upper Arlington
The job market for UX designers in Upper Arlington is relatively limited, with only nine professionals currently employed in this role. However, the local cost of living index stands at 90.7, suggesting that the purchasing power of salaries may be better than the numbers imply. This context is crucial for candidates considering their options, as the highest pay typically comes from well-known tech giants or specialized design firms looking for robust portfolios. Factors influencing the pay disparity include the company type—where FAANG and unicorn companies command the highest wages—and the specifics of the designer’s specialty, with a premium on expertise in design systems and research. Designers aiming to maximize their earnings should focus on enhancing their portfolios with high-impact projects and seeking positions that balance base salary with the potential for equity, particularly within vibrant design teams or innovative startups in and around Upper Arlington.
More salary data for Upper Arlington, OH:
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 $57,149 for ux designersin the Upper Arlington 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 Upper Arlington 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