UX Designer Salary in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz is near Silicon Valley, which can affect UX designer salaries. Demand for UX designers remains steady.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$72,000 to $90,000
Average (per year)
$81,000
Recent graduates fill entry roles at local startups, university labs, and small agencies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$90,000 to $115,000
Average (per year)
$102,000
Mid-level designers are employed by software companies and may support remote Silicon Valley teams.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$115,000 to $135,000
Average (per year)
$125,000
Senior roles involve leading UX for health tech, education, and consumer web startups.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$135,000+
Principal designers work remotely for major Bay Area firms or manage small local teams.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$35 - $50
per hour
Mid-level
$50 - $80
per hour
Senior
$80 - $120
per hour