UI Designer Salary in San Jose
2026 compensation data for UI Designer positions in San Jose, CA. Ranges from $78,000 (entry-level) to $214,000 (senior). Median: $134,000.
Median (Mid)
$134,000
$64.42/hr
vs National
+2%
US: $131,000
COL Index
178
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$214,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $78,000 | $94,000 | $114,000 | $45.19/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $110,000 | $134,000 | $161,000 | $64.42/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $154,000 | $185,000 | $214,000 | $88.94/hr |
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A mid-level ui designer earning $134,000 in San Jose has the same buying power as $75,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 178).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About UI Designer Salaries in San Jose
Craft polished interfaces, design systems, and visual languages for digital products. This page covers ui designer compensation specifically in San Jose, CA.
The median ui designer salary in San Jose, CA is $134,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 178 (national average = 100), San Jose offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level ui designers in San Jose can expect to earn between $78,000 and $114,000 (about $45.19/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $214,000 ($214K annually, or about $102.88/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Jose.
Frequently Asked Questions: UI Designer Salary in San Jose
What is the average UI Designer salary in San Jose?+
The average UI Designer salary in San Jose is $134,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $94,000 and senior-level pay reaches $185,000.
How much does an entry-level ui designer make in San Jose?+
Entry-level ui designers in San Jose earn between $78,000 and $114,000, with a median of $94,000 per year (about $45.19/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a UI Designer in San Jose?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a UI Designer in San Jose earns roughly $45.19/hour at entry-level, $64.42/hour at mid-level, and $88.94/hour at senior-level.
Is the UI Designer salary in San Jose higher than the US average?+
Yes — UI Designer salaries in San Jose are about 2% higher than the US national median of $131,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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