UX Designer Salary in San Diego, California
San Diego has a large population and a strong tech presence, with major employers in biotech, defense, and education. UX designer salaries in the city are below San Francisco levels. Employers in the area include startups and established corporations.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$68,000 to $87,000
Average (per year)
$77,000
Entry-level designers work at startups and biotech companies in the city.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$87,000 to $105,000
Average (per year)
$96,000
Mid-level designers are employed by health‑tech and defense‑contracting firms in the city.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$105,000 to $135,000
Average (per year)
$120,000
Senior designers work for large software firms and medical device manufacturers in the city.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$135,000+
Principal UX professionals lead teams at major employers such as Qualcomm or Illumina.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$38 - $54
per hour
Mid-level
$54 - $75
per hour
Senior
$75 - $110
per hour