TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead UX Designer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$191,638/yr
Typical range: $162,833 – $200,226
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
UX Designer salary by experience level in Austin
UX Designer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $88,050 | $7,338 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $108,767 | $9,064 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $122,579 | $10,215 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $141,916 | $11,826 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $191,638 | $15,970 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $240,324 | $20,027 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $252,496 | $21,041 | +187% |
Current Salary
$191,638
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$240,324
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
53/100
Moderate
+20% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead UX Designer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead UX Designers in Austin, TX earn approximately $192K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead UX Designer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior UX Designer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior UX Designer in Austin, TX earns $163K–$200K/yr.