UI/UX Designer Salary in San Mateo County, California
San Mateo County includes several of the Bay Area's wealthiest suburbs and tech campuses. Salaries in the region are influenced by hiring activity in cloud, fintech, and digital health sectors. Designers in the area have varying rent costs and compensation levels.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$83,000 to $110,000
Average (per year)
$96,500
New designers may work for large technology employers or established agencies in the county.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$111,000 to $140,000
Average (per year)
$125,500
Several years of experience in SaaS, mobile, or health tech are common among professionals in this market.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$141,000 to $176,000
Average (per year)
$158,500
Advanced prototyping and leadership skills are valued for senior designers, particularly when working with international teams.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$177,000+
Lead and principal designers at Fortune 500 firms or high-growth startups work in the county.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$41 - $62
per hour
Mid-level
$63 - $88
per hour
Senior
$89 - $125
per hour