Updated 2026

UI Designer Salary in San Francisco 2026

Average Base
$124,000
+4.2% from 2025
Typical Range
$65,000$145,000
10th - 90th percentile
Total Comp
~$148,800
Includes Equity/Bonus

Explore UI Designer roles in San Francisco, CA with companies that are actively scaling their product design teams. Hybrid and remote-friendly options are common, giving designers flexibility while staying connected to local teams. Experience with Figma, prototyping, and usability testing remains a core expectation. Many employers in San Francisco, CA are investing in design systems to scale product quality efficiently.

Compensation is influenced by company stage, product complexity, and the ability to drive measurable outcomes. Companies value designers who can translate insights into measurable product outcomes. Salaries vary by seniority and company stage, but top performers can earn well above the local median. Use this page to compare roles, explore salary benchmarks, and connect with companies hiring in San Francisco, CA. If you are early in your search, start with the highest-signal listings and track applications consistently.

Salary Distribution

Cost of Living Analysis

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 168, which can influence take-home value even when salaries appear higher. Consider housing, transportation, and tax differences when evaluating offers.

CityMedian
New York$120,000
San Francisco$124,000
Seattle$115,000
Boston$110,000
Los Angeles$110,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Which industries are hiring UI Designers in San Francisco, CA?
Fintech, healthcare, SaaS, and consumer marketplaces are all hiring UI Designers in San Francisco, CA. Enterprise teams also invest in UX to improve retention and satisfaction.
How competitive is the UI Designer job market in San Francisco, CA?
Competition varies by specialization. Candidates with strong case studies and measurable outcomes stand out quickly in the hiring process.
What skills do UI Designers in San Francisco, CA need most?
Hiring teams look for UX fundamentals, strong communication, and the ability to ship iterative improvements based on user feedback.