Mankato vs St. Cloud: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Mankato, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mankato, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,184 | $63,572▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.46 | $30.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,327 | $35,219▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,233 | $48,654▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,755▲ | $73,458 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,735▲ | $83,961 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 30▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mankato.
The salary gap between Mankato and St. Cloud is $4,388 (7.41%). St. Cloud's median is -23.70% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mankato spans $57,408,St. Cloud spans $48,742. Mankato has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($72,544 effective) pays 20.74% more than Mankato ($60,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mankato if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,735)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,572/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,544)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Mankato grew -37.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Mankato, MN
$87,889 (2024) → $55,405 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$58,230 (2022) → $59,513 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mankato, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Mankato or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mankato and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Mankato to St. Cloud as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Mankato vs St. Cloud?
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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