UX Designer Salary in Smyrna, TN: $49,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Smyrna, TN earns a median $49,170/year (≈ $23.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $53,562 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the landscape for UX designers in Smyrna, TN, reflects a local median salary of $49,170, considerably below the national average of $83,320. Compensation ranges from $28,519 at the lower end (P10) to $76,214 for top earners (P90), indicating a diverse market tailored to various skill levels and company sizes. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data reveal a growing demand for UX design expertise, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.82%. While the job market here holds promise, aspiring designers must consider the trade-off between high-paying management pathways and the rewarding roles available for individual contributors, particularly in the wake of widespread industry layoffs.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,519 | $13.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,402 | $17.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,170 | $23.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,938 | $30.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,214 | $36.64 |
Median Salary Position
40.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,695 (2026 est.). At $49,170, the local median is 40.99% below the national median of $83,320.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna UX Designer Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $49,170/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $48,635 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -40.99% less |
UX Designers in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $49,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.99% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $48,635.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $49,170 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,562 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,360
2025 BLS Actual
$46,031
2026 Current Est.
$49,170
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Smyrna (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,524 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $35,360 (2021) to $46,031 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,524 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,164 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $28,519 – $35,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,402 – $49,170 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,170 – $62,938 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,938 – $76,214 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Smyrna
The current job market in Smyrna includes around 12 employed UX designers, which suggests a niche but concentrated demand for talent in the field. As the cost-of-living index sits at 91.8, which is below the national average, the take-home purchasing power may not match larger urban areas. Employers such as local tech startups and healthcare companies may offer competitive rates, although those seeking the highest pay might find opportunities limited compared to major tech firms. Factors influencing salary variations include company type, skill specialization, and the strength of one’s portfolio. Especially in the wake of recent design layoffs, maximizing pay requires a strong focus on skill development, particularly in areas like research and design systems, while building an outstanding portfolio using tools like Figma.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
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 $46,031 for ux designersin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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