Senior UX Designer Salary in Franklin, TN: $77,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Franklin, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,916/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,876 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior UX designers in Franklin, Tennessee, are positioned to capitalize on a competitive salary range that reflects both the experience premium and the growing demand for specialized skills in the market. In 2026, top earners in this field can anticipate salaries reaching up to $77,916, significantly above the median of $50,268. This difference illustrates the value placed on seniority and expertise in user experience design. To command such top-tier pay, seasoned professionals often need to demonstrate not only a robust portfolio of high-impact projects but also advanced skills in areas like UX research, visual design, and interaction design. As companies in Franklin continue to seek out expert talent, those who can effectively blend strategic insight with technical prowess will find themselves well-positioned in this vibrant job market.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $64,344 and $77,916 per year (2026 est.). This $48,761 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $50,268 sits 39.67% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,268 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,344 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,916 | $161,472 |
In Franklin, experienced ux designers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top UX Designer Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $50,268 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $64,344–$77,916 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ux designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ux designers in Franklin with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
UX Designers in Tennessee who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
UX Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Franklin
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #4 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $77,916).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Franklin ($77,916) is 20.14% above the Tennessee average P90 ($64,855).
2021 BLS Actual
$60,872
2025 BLS Actual
$72,941
2026 Current Est.
$77,916
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Franklin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $60,872 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,832 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,229 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $60,872 in 2021 to $72,941 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $83,229 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Maximizing Your UX Designer Earnings in Franklin
Within the realm of senior UX designers in TN, specialization can greatly influence earning potential. Notably, roles focusing on UX research, design systems, or accessibility can command higher compensation, reflecting the critical nature of these skills in product development. Employers also vary significantly in their salary offerings; those pursuing opportunities at notable tech firms like FAANG can expect to earn more due to robust compensation packages often featuring equity options, while digital product agencies may provide a broader scope of experience at a lower base salary. Advancement paths are well-defined, with clear trajectories leading from senior designer roles to positions like principal designer or design director, appealing to those interested in forging management careers. As a foundation, candidates armed with strong portfolios along with industry-standard tools like Figma, and additional credentials from respected programs, are more likely to succeed in this landscape. Additional compensation factors, such as company reputation and the demands of specific specializations, highlight the intricate nature of senior UX designer pay structures in Franklin, shaping both the immediate financial outlook and future career possibilities.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Franklin?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Franklin?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Franklin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $72,941 for ux designers in the Franklin metro area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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