Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Benton, AR: $30,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Benton, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,856 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benton's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,507 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,200) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, new graduates stepping into the role of an entry-level UX designer can anticipate an initial compensation around $30,856, which significantly lags behind the city's median annual salary of $53,200. The pay for entry-level positions reflects the broader economic landscape, suggesting that while the salary for fresh graduates is disproportionately lower, there's considerable potential for growth within the first few years. New hires might realistically aim to reach $38,304 within a year or two, and eventually work their way up to the median salary as they gain experience over time. For aspiring designers considering the Benton market, the entry-level landscape, despite its challenges, still presents opportunities for those equipped with strong portfolios and relevant skills.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($74,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Entry-level ux designers in Benton, AR typically start between $30,856 and $38,304 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,604 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,200 — 36.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Arkansas of $42,000 represents just 136.12% of the starting ux designer pay ($30,856/year) in Benton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect NASAD-accredited bachelor's programs in graphic design, interaction design, or human-computer interaction. Shorter UX bootcamps ($10k-$20k) are a common alternative entry pathway. SOC 15-1255 (Web and Digital Interface Designers) is the dedicated UX/UI code BLS introduced in 2018 — distinct from 27-1024 (Graphic Designers, $61,300 median) and 15-1254 (Web Developers).
UX Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Benton
- 1Research the Benton market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $30,856 to $38,304, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the user experience design field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Benton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
UX Designer Compensation Range
The ux designer wage spread in Benton is $51,604 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,856, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,460.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,717
2025 BLS Actual
$28,886
2026 Current Est.
$30,856
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Benton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,909 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,960 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Benton, AR grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,717 in 2021 to $28,886 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,960. New graduates entering the Benton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your user experience design Career in Benton
As Benton continues to cultivate its tech scene, various local employers are beginning to tap into the emerging talent pool of new UX designers. While major tech companies typically recruit from a broader pool of established professionals, local digital agencies and non-tech companies are more accessible to newcomers in the field. Pertinent qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree in design or human-computer interaction, along with fluency in tools like Figma, can enhance job prospects and starting pay in Arkansas. However, the post-2023 job market may present hurdles, with a noticeable shift towards specializations in areas like design systems in response to recent industry adjustments. Entry-level designers should anticipate a gradual salary increase throughout their first three years, reflecting both their accumulated experience and the evolving needs of local employers in Benton, AR.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Benton?
Is user experience design school worth it in Benton?
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How do I become a ux designer in Arkansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new user experience design graduates. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Benton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ux designers (SOC 15-1255).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov