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UX Designer Salary in Boston, MA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Boston's cost of living (index: 162). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

UX Designer Salary in Boston β€” Key Numbers

$160,672
Median Salary
$119,167
25th Percentile
$214,844
75th Percentile
$272,792
90th Percentile
National median (UX Designer)$99,180
vs. National median+62.0%
Boston median household income$89,400
vs. City household income+79.7%

Cost of Living in Boston

Cost of Living Index
162(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.5%
Annual rent cost$33,000
Median Home Price$680,000
Home Price / Salary4.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$136,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Boston

3.3%
Unemployment Rate
4,920,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
32.6
Median Age

Boston has a metro population of 4,920,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

UX Designer Salary β€” Other Massachusetts Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UX Designer make in Boston, MA?

The estimated median salary for a UX Designer in Boston is $160,672 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,180 adjusted by Boston's cost of living index (162). The typical salary range runs from $119,167 (25th percentile) to $214,844 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $272,792.

Is Boston affordable for a UX Designer?

On a $160,672 annual salary, a UX Designer in Boston would spend approximately 20.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Boston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $680,000 is 4.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a UX Designer's salary compare to Boston's overall income?

Boston's median household income is $89,400. A UX Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $160,672 earns 79.7% more than the typical Boston household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.