TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead UX Designer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$244,684/yr
Typical range: $207,906 – $255,649
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
UX Designer salary by experience level in Seattle
UX Designer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $112,422 | $9,369 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $138,875 | $11,573 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $156,510 | $13,043 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $181,198 | $15,100 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $244,684 | $20,390 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $306,847 | $25,571 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $322,388 | $26,866 | +187% |
Current Salary
$244,684
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $118/hr
Next Level Target
$306,847
Principal · 14
+$62Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
53/100
Moderate
+20% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead UX Designer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead UX Designers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $245K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $245K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $118/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior UX Designer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior UX Designer in Seattle, WA earns $208K–$256K/yr.