UX Designer Salary in Suffolk, VA: $63,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Suffolk, VA earns a median $63,407/year (≈ $30.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,441 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, UX designers in Suffolk, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $63,407, which positions the local market approximately 23.90% lower than the national median of $83,320. The salary range for this role runs from $36,776 at the lower percentile (P10) to $98,281 at the higher end (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, taking into account local economic conditions and cost adjustments. As the job market in Suffolk evolves, the contrast between the individual contributor (IC) and management tracks will influence earnings, with higher compensation typically found in senior IC roles at top tech firms or agencies, reflecting market demand and portfolio strength in the area.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,776 | $17.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,765 | $22.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,407 | $30.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,162 | $39.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,281 | $47.25 |
Median Salary Position
23.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,505 (2026 est.). At $63,407, the local median is 23.9% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk UX Designer Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $63,407/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $64,504 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -23.90% less |
UX Designers in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $63,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.90% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $64,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,407 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,441 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$45,598
2025 BLS Actual
$59,359
2026 Current Est.
$63,407
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Suffolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,598 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,359 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,732 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $45,598 (2021) to $59,359 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,732 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,134 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $36,776 – $45,765 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,765 – $63,407 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,407 – $81,162 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,162 – $98,281 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Suffolk
Examining the local job dynamics reveals that there are 15 UX designers currently employed in Suffolk. The cost of living index, sitting at 103.2, indicates that housing and other expenses are slightly above the national average, which could impact take-home purchasing power. Among employers, tech giants and unicorn startups often provide the most competitive salaries, thanks to the stock options and RSUs they can offer. This creates a disparity in salaries based on company type; top-tier tech firms typically pay more than mid-level agencies or in-house teams. Additionally, design specialties such as research or product design tend to attract higher pay rates, as does having a strong portfolio featuring successful apps. For those looking to maximize their salaries in Suffolk, focusing on building a robust portfolio, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and considering opportunities in both tech and start-up environments will be key strategies.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
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 $59,359 for ux designersin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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