Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,638▲ | $56,263 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.67▲ | $27.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,047▲ | $32,632 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,587▲ | $40,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,652 | $72,017▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,652 | $87,208▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is $3,375 (6.00%). Cedar Rapids's median is -28.42% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $48,605,Iowa City spans $54,576. Iowa City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($67,037 effective) pays 7.71% more than Iowa City ($62,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,638/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,037)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,208)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -7.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -33.1% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$60,630 (2021) → $55,830 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$78,730 (2022) → $52,671 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov