How does a UX Designer's salary in Columbus compare to the rest of Ohio?

Columbus's cost of living index is 90 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A UX Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $89,262 earns $24,662 more than the median household income in Columbus ($64,600).

UX Designer Salary in Columbus, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Columbus's cost of living (index: 90). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

UX Designer Salary in Columbus — Key Numbers

$89,262

Median Salary

$66,204

25th Percentile

$119,358

75th Percentile

$151,551

90th Percentile

National median (UX Designer)$99,180

vs. National median-10.0%

Columbus median household income$64,600

vs. City household income+38.2%

Cost of Living in Columbus

Cost of Living Index

90(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,199/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio16.1%

Annual rent cost$14,388

Median Home Price$265,000

Home Price / Salary3.0×

20% Down Payment$53,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.0 yrs

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

Job Market in Columbus

3.8%

Unemployment Rate

2,150,000

Metro Population

23 min

Avg Commute

33.2

Median Age

Columbus has a metro population of 2,150,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Columbus

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Cost of Living — Columbus

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UX Designer Salary in Ohio

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Columbus

Physician$206,370 Chief Executive Officer$189,000 Dentist$157,959 IT Manager$152,559 Marketing Manager$141,858 Lawyer$131,184

UX Designer Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Cleveland, OH$84,303 Cincinnati, OH$90,254 Dayton, OH$82,319 Akron, OH$82,319 Toledo, OH$79,344

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UX Designer make in Columbus, OH?

The estimated median salary for a UX Designer in Columbus is $89,262 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,180 adjusted by Columbus's cost of living index (90). The typical salary range runs from $66,204 (25th percentile) to $119,358 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $151,551.

Is Columbus affordable for a UX Designer?

On a $89,262 annual salary, a UX Designer in Columbus would spend approximately 16.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,199/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Columbus relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $265,000 is 3.0× the annual salary.

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

Columbus's median household income is $64,600. A UX Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $89,262 earns 38.2% more than the typical Columbus household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

UX Designer — National UX Designer in Ohio All Salary Guides

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.