CompensationJan 21, 2019
HumanaljIr71

Contract UX Designer rate

I’ve been at Humana as a contract UX Designer for 10 months. When I first started I weren’t thinking straight nor did any research about salary since I just want to get out of my last job (which was horrible). Recently, I started looking into the market pay rate and I think I’m being underpaid. I just emailed my recruiter to ask for a raise but she said I will have to wait until one year mark which is two months from now. What should I ask for? My current rate is $27/hr. I have 3 years experience (4 years counting internship) What do you get paid as a UX Designer? I’m in Louisville KY area btw.

@Design
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Oracle MiddleWest Jan 21, 2019

That’s low, even for Louisville. $50-$60 seems more reasonable—low for the coasts, but shouldn’t be too high for the Midwest. It’s important to push for a higher rate because it also benefits other designers and establishes the value of UX.

Humana ljIr71 OP Jan 21, 2019

Totally agree. Thanks for the reply!

Verizon SnoopDoge Jan 21, 2019

27 is way too low. Go for atleast 50. If you’ve been there for 10 months then for sure you are performing and adding value. Since the conversation is brought up, followup at the year mark.

Humana ljIr71 OP Jan 21, 2019

I definitely will. Thanks!!

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bgutsr Jan 21, 2019

Agreed on min $50. Think about it in these terms: - Base salary if you were FTUE - 7.5% FICA tax no longer covered from employer - Insurance difference That’s baseline but many contractors are still charging well over 20% premium on top of base. Last contractor we hired was $90/hr. (West coast, twice as many YOE).

Humana ljIr71 OP Jan 21, 2019

I will keep that in mind. Thank you!

Facebook WDWO10 Jan 21, 2019

If you are hired through an agency, they take a cut. This is why some contractors want to start off above the baseline.

AGCO Corporation ㅇㅅㅇ Jan 21, 2019

Idk about Louisville. It scales with affordability. With 3 YOE you technically are a mid level designer, and am shocked you’re getting paid so much lower than average fresh graduates. Best of luck to you on getting that raise!

Fidelity Investments AkumaFi Jan 22, 2019

It should be anywhere between $40-50 an hour. Especially if you work on compliance web accessibility related stuff. Entry level people get $30-35/hr. Interns get like $25-30/hr. Also, consider the fact u probably don't have vacation days.

Dell nmXn82 Jan 25, 2019

In a big coastal city or Texas I’d recommend twice that much

Clover Network pIgP63 May 27, 2019

I was approached for 150/hr 40 hr a week and I forgot to respond to the recruiter 😂 $27 is too too low. Designer market is hot and you might be better off looking for a full time job.