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UX Designer Salary in Modesto, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Modesto's cost of living (index: 108). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

UX Designer Salary in Modesto β€” Key Numbers

$107,114
Median Salary
$79,445
25th Percentile
$143,230
75th Percentile
$181,861
90th Percentile
National median (UX Designer)$99,180
vs. National median+8.0%
Modesto median household income$62,800
vs. City household income+70.6%

Cost of Living in Modesto

Cost of Living Index
108(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,400/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.7%
Annual rent cost$16,800
Median Home Price$375,000
Home Price / Salary3.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$75,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.5 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 Modesto

6.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
28 min
Avg Commute
33.1
Median Age

Modesto has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.4% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UX Designer make in Modesto, CA?

The estimated median salary for a UX Designer in Modesto is $107,114 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,180 adjusted by Modesto's cost of living index (108). The typical salary range runs from $79,445 (25th percentile) to $143,230 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $181,861.

Is Modesto affordable for a UX Designer?

On a $107,114 annual salary, a UX Designer in Modesto would spend approximately 15.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,400/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Modesto relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $375,000 is 3.5Γ— the annual salary.

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

Modesto's median household income is $62,800. A UX Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $107,114 earns 70.6% more than the typical Modesto 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.