UX Designer Salary in Virginia, United States
Mid‑level UX designers in the area earn a median salary of $74,500 per year. Arlington and Fairfax have both government contracts and startups, which influence local salary levels.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$52,500 to $67,000
Average (per year)
$60,000
Entry-level designers in Arlington join government contractors, consultancies, and tech startups. Demand for digital services and high living costs push starting salaries upward.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$66,000 to $83,500
Average (per year)
$74,500
Mid-level roles reward experience in user research and enterprise UX. Federal agencies and SaaS firms in the area offer wages.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$82,000 to $99,500
Average (per year)
$91,000
Seasoned designers lead projects for defense, healthcare, and consulting clients. Employees may receive annual bonuses or stock options in addition to salary.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$99,000+
Principal and lead UX designers negotiate compensation at large government contractors and major tech firms with offices in Crystal City or Rosslyn.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$28 - $38
per hour
Mid-level
$38 - $52
per hour
Senior
$54 - $68
per hour
Nationally, mid‑level UX designers earn around $70,000, so Virginia sits slightly above the average. Higher housing costs and proximity to the capital are factors associated with higher salaries.