UX Designer Salary in Santa Clara County, California

Santa Clara County is home to Silicon Valley, where software and hardware leaders such as Google, Apple, and Cisco are located. High living costs and competition influence UX Designer pay in the area.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$96,000 to $120,000

Average (per year)

$108,000

Graduates step into roles at major tech firms in Silicon Valley.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$120,000 to $150,000

Average (per year)

$134,000

Mid-level UX Designers often join teams at Google, Apple, or global SaaS companies.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$150,000 to $185,000

Average (per year)

$165,000

Senior designers lead product teams or manage user research at high-growth tech giants.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$185,000+

Principal and lead designers work at the largest employers or receive equity incentives.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

$60 - $90

per hour

Mid-level

$90 - $140

per hour

Senior

$140 - $200

per hour