Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Rogers, AR: $27,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Rogers, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,221 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rogers's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,325 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,934) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of UX design in Rogers, Arkansas, understanding starting salaries is crucial for setting expectations and planning their careers. In 2026, the entry-level UX designer salary in Rogers is projected to begin at $27,221, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $46,934 for all designers in the area. This gap may initially seem disheartening; however, it's important to recognize the salary trajectory over the first few years, moving from the P10 level to P25, and eventually approaching the median salary within three to five years. The local market offers opportunities for new grads, especially with the projected growth rate of 6.82%, indicating that as demand increases, compensation for entry-level roles in UX design will likely improve as well.
About the Rogers Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($74,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rogers
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 Rogers
Entry-level ux designers in Rogers, AR typically start between $27,221 and $33,793 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,526 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,934 — 43.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Arkansas of $42,000 represents just 154.29% of the starting ux designer pay ($27,221/year) in Rogers. 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 Rogers
- 1Research the Rogers market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $27,221 to $33,793, 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 Rogers, 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 Rogers for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rogers'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 Rogers is $45,526 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,221, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,747.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,277
2025 BLS Actual
$25,483
2026 Current Est.
$27,221
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Rogers (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,277 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,434 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,856 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,483 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,077 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Rogers, AR grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,277 in 2021 to $25,483 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,077. New graduates entering the Rogers job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rogers 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 Rogers
Several companies in Rogers seek to hire fresh talent in UX design, positioning themselves well to support newly minted graduates. Tech companies, while fewer in number compared to larger cities, still occasionally offer positions for junior designers, but the majority of prospects may come from local digital agencies and firms seeking to enhance their user experience. New graduates should focus on building solid portfolios that showcase proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma, as this is a significant hiring signal. Having a relevant Bachelor's degree in design, HCI, or related fields can also be beneficial, though the emphasis often lies more on the quality of the portfolio than on the degree itself. Career strategies in the early years should involve seeking out diverse roles that offer a range of project experiences, enabling designers to hone their skills in various areas, from product design to design systems. Such versatility can be especially advantageous in navigating the job market amid the residual effects of industry layoffs that have shaped hiring trends in the recent past.
More salary data for Rogers, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Rogers in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Rogers?
Is user experience design school worth it in Rogers?
What do new ux designers make right out of school in Rogers?
How do I become a ux designer in Arkansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Rogers. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rogers 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