UX Designer Jobs in Madison, WI

Madison, Wisconsin$104,550 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About UX Designer Jobs in Madison

Looking for a UX Designer job in Madison? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a UX Designer in Madison, WI.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Madison has a strong job market for UX Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

UX Designer Salary in Madison

Entry Level
$65,025
Median
$104,550
Senior Level
$152,490

UX Designer salaries in Madison are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Madison is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

FigmaUser ResearchPrototypingDesign SystemsUsability Testing

UX Designer Job Market in Madison

Madison, WI is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for UX Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Madison offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Education and Healthcare sectors create robust demand for UX Designer talent. Madison's tech hub status means UX Designer roles are plentiful, though competition for top positions at major companies can be intense.

Top Companies Hiring UX Designers in Madison

Epic SystemsZendeskExact SciencesNordic Consulting

Major employers hiring UX Designers in Madison include Epic Systems, Zendesk, Exact Sciences, Nordic Consulting. As a recognized tech hub, Madison attracts both global tech giants and innovative startups, offering diverse career paths from early-stage companies to enterprise organizations. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for UX Designers in Madison

Living in Madison as a UX Designer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month (22% below the national average). At median UX Designer salary, housing is quite affordable at 16% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,100/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a UX Designer in Madison

Madison Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for UX Designers in Madison: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among UX Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has relatively high state income taxes. A UX Designer earning $104,550 might pay approximately $8,364 in state income tax. However, Wisconsin's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for UX Designers

The job outlook for UX Designers in Madison is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Madison offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Figma, User Research, Prototyping, Design Systems.

Relocating to Madison

Wisconsin has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading. As a tech hub, Madison has an active tech community with meetups, conferences, and networking opportunities. LinkedIn and local Slack groups can help you connect before moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average UX Designer salary in Madison, WI?

The average UX Designer salary in Madison, WI is $104,550 per year. Entry-level UX Designers typically start around $65,025, while experienced professionals can earn $152,490 or more. The national average for UX Designer roles is $102,500.

How many UX Designer jobs are available in Madison?

Madison has a growing job market with steady opportunities for UX Designer professionals. Major employers hiring UX Designers include Epic Systems, Zendesk, Exact Sciences, Nordic Consulting. The Education and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Madison a good city for UX Designers?

Madison is an excellent choice for UX Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's education industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for UX Designers in Madison?

Top skills for UX Designers in Madison include Figma, User Research, Prototyping, Design Systems, Usability Testing. Given the competitive tech market, continuous skill development through certifications and projects is essential.

What is the cost of living for UX Designers in Madison?

Madison's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month. Purchasing power in Madison is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for UX Designers in Madison?

Madison Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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