UX Designer Salary in Denver
2026 compensation data for UX Designer positions in Denver, CO. Ranges from $65,000 (entry-level) to $184,000 (senior). Median: $113,000.
Median (Mid)
$113,000
$54.33/hr
vs National
+3%
US: $110,000
COL Index
120
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$184,000
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) | $65,000 | $79,000 | $95,000 | $37.98/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $92,000 | $113,000 | $137,000 | $54.33/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $131,000 | $158,000 | $184,000 | $75.96/hr |
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A mid-level ux designer earning $113,000 in Denver has the same buying power as $94,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 120).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About UX Designer Salaries in Denver
UX design in Denver has matured rapidly alongside the city's tech growth, with a distinctive market shaped by outdoor-lifestyle companies, health-tech platforms, and a cluster of enterprise SaaS startups that prioritize user experience as a competitive differentiator. The median UX designer salary here reflects Denver's 120 cost-of-living index and the growing recognition that design quality drives product retention in Denver's competitive SaaS market. The Denver UX scene rewards research-backed design: companies like Ibotta, Ping Identity, Gusto (Colorado operations), and Healthgrades have invested heavily in design systems and user research capabilities, raising the bar for what counts as senior design work. Unlike coastal markets where UX is often siloed, Denver employers frequently expect UX designers to bridge research, interaction design, and visual polish—a full-spectrum ownership model that rewards generalists who can own an entire product surface. Outdoor and wellness lifestyle brands (REI's design teams, Strava, MapMyFitness) offer unique opportunities to design for highly motivated, engaged users—a career advantage if your portfolio skews toward mobile and activity-tracking interfaces. Equity at Denver's growth-stage startups (0.05–0.2%) is improving as the ecosystem matures. Remote flexibility is high—many Denver design teams are hybrid or fully distributed. Negotiation levers: a strong portfolio with measurable usability outcomes (task completion improvements, error rate reductions, satisfaction scores) consistently outperforms credential-anchored negotiation. Colorado's 4.4% flat income tax rate offers predictable tax planning versus progressive coastal structures.
Research user needs and design intuitive, accessible digital experiences. This page covers ux designer compensation specifically in Denver, CO.
The median ux designer salary in Denver, CO is $113,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 3% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 120 (national average = 100), Denver offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level ux designers in Denver can expect to earn between $65,000 and $95,000 (about $37.98/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $184,000 ($184K annually, or about $88.46/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 Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions: UX Designer Salary in Denver
What is the average UX Designer salary in Denver?+
The average UX Designer salary in Denver is $113,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $79,000 and senior-level pay reaches $158,000.
How much does an entry-level ux designer make in Denver?+
Entry-level ux designers in Denver earn between $65,000 and $95,000, with a median of $79,000 per year (about $37.98/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a UX Designer in Denver?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a UX Designer in Denver earns roughly $37.98/hour at entry-level, $54.33/hour at mid-level, and $75.96/hour at senior-level.
Is the UX Designer salary in Denver higher than the US average?+
Yes — UX Designer salaries in Denver are about 3% higher than the US national median of $110,000.
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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