The bank developers on $180k salaries that are still in high demand
It's no secret that technologists in banks have gotten a poor rub of the green in 2025. Many are complaining about being brought into the office five days a week, many more are complaining about a dismal bonus round. One group of technologists, UX/UI developers, have less reason to complain... if they're full-time employees.
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Banks have been aggressively hiring UX staff and building new teams for UX people. JPMorgan is establishing a 'Product & Experience' (PX) team to develop digital experiences within its commercial bank. Citi, meanwhile, is hiring a lead developer for a new Java full-stack team focused on UI and UX. The latter role, for an AVP, pays a salary alone of up to $160k in the bank's Irving, Texas office.
Morgan Stanley is also hiring multiple UX staff for its wealth management team in New Jersey. A VP level designer focused on the bank's consulting business can earn a salary of up to $180k. An executive director focused on UX for client account data can earn a salary of up to $250k. Banks have also been compensating their UX incumbents; one UX director at a US bank previously told us she was "very pleased" with her bonus.
The hiring isn't always in high-cost locations. One executive UI director at a major US bank says there's a strong focus on UI hiring in Glasgow and India. Another UX developer working for a US bank told us that "supply far outweighs demand right now" due to an influx of UI people from Big Tech seeking refuge after layoffs.
There are also fintechs selling UI solutions to banks. Interop.io says its platform is integrated into the workflow of 10,000 users at Citi alone, with its platform being used to provide access to critical legacy apps as part of the bank's transformation.
As banks hire UX and UI developers full-time, their appetite for contractors in the area is falling. One developer said "rates have dropped and several people I know haven't been able to find a good job in months." While contract roles are sparse, he says there are "definitely more options available right now for permanent employees."
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