UI/UX Designer Salary in Santa Cruz County, California

Santa Cruz County includes public sector, university, and small tech employers. Commute options to Silicon Valley and higher living expenses affect salaries in the region.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$68,000 to $85,000

Average (per year)

$76,500

Entry-level positions exist in government, education, and healthcare tech.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$85,000 to $107,000

Average (per year)

$96,000

Mid-level designers work for local startups and remote Bay Area tech firms.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$107,000 to $127,000

Average (per year)

$117,000

Senior UI/UX designers consider commute options to San Jose and cost of living when negotiating salaries.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$127,000+

Principal or lead designers can consult for regional companies or manage distributed teams for Bay Area employers.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

$33 - $46

per hour

Mid-level

$46 - $67

per hour

Senior

$67 - $90

per hour