UX Designer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
In 2026, UX Designers in San Francisco earn between $101,000 and $168,000 annually, with a median salary of $114,579. This reflects the city's high demand for skilled professionals in the tech industry.
Key Facts
- San Francisco's cost of living is 89% higher than the national average.
- Top companies hiring UX Designers include Google, Apple, and Facebook.
- The median salary for UX Designers in San Francisco is $114,579.
- Senior UX Designers can earn up to $168,000 annually.
- Proficiency in key UX skills can significantly boost earning potential.
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior UX Designer (0–2 years): $101,000–$139,000
- Mid-level UX Designer (3–5 years): $110,000–$153,000
- Senior UX Designer (6+ years): $120,000–$168,000
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's UX Designer salaries are among the highest in the U.S. For instance, in Boston, junior designers earn $82,000–$111,000, while in Austin, the range is $84,000–$114,000. This disparity is largely due to San Francisco's elevated cost of living and concentration of tech companies.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in user research, wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and usability testing can significantly enhance a UX Designer's earning potential in San Francisco.
Work Culture & Benefits
Companies in San Francisco often offer comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, stock options, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for professional development, reflecting the competitive nature of the tech industry.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in San Francisco, UX Designers should focus on developing in-demand skills such as user research and prototyping, and consider opportunities at top tech companies known for competitive compensation.
UX Designer Insights — San Francisco
UX Designer salaries in San Francisco range from $101,000 to $168,000, a 58% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $114,579 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
San Francisco's cost of living index of 89/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $114,579 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for ux designer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like Google, Apple, and Facebook, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for ux designer in San Francisco centers around expertise in User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $168,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like UI Designer or Product Designer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| ML Engineer | San Francisco | $156,276 - $300,778 | $216,805 |
| DevOps Engineer | San Francisco | $125,305 - $242,521 | $174,325 |
| Full Stack Developer | San Francisco | $122,405 - $206,683 | $158,000 |
| Data Engineer | San Francisco | $107,180 - $300,000 | $171,054 |
| Android Developer | San Francisco | $114,137 - $272,013 | $176,201 |
UX Designer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a UX Designer in San Francisco?
The average salary for a UX Designer in San Francisco is approximately $114,579 per year.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco affect UX Designer salaries?
Due to San Francisco's cost of living being 89% higher than the national average, UX Designer salaries are correspondingly higher to offset living expenses.
Which companies are top employers for UX Designers in San Francisco?
Top employers include Google, Apple, Facebook, Salesforce, and Adobe.
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