Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Dodge City, KS: $31,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Dodge City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,169 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dodge City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,289 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,740) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting compensation for an entry-level UX designer in Dodge City, Kansas, is projected to be around $31,169, significantly lower than the city median of $53,740. This creates a noticeable gap for new graduates who may not yet have the experience to command higher salaries. However, there is potential for growth as one moves up the salary scale; many entry-level designers can realistically expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $38,692 within their first few years of employment. With an annual growth rate of 6.82%, the market could be favorable for budding UX professionals. For those graduating soon, Dodge City presents a viable option as it offers a low cost of living (90.9 index) compared to national averages, which can offset the lower starting salaries.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($65,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dodge City
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 Dodge City
Entry-level ux designers in Dodge City, KS typically start between $31,169 and $38,692 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,128 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,740 — 35.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 134.75% of the starting ux designer pay ($31,169/year) in Dodge City. 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 Dodge City
- 1Research the Dodge City market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $31,169 to $38,692, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dodge City, 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 Dodge City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dodge City'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 Dodge City is $52,128 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,169, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,297.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,927
2025 BLS Actual
$29,179
2026 Current Est.
$31,169
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Dodge City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,179 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,295 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Dodge City, KS grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,927 in 2021 to $29,179 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,295. New graduates entering the Dodge City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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 Dodge City
For new graduates seeking their first position as a UX designer in Dodge City, understanding the local job market is crucial. While major tech companies typically recruit from well-known institutions via internship programs, local opportunities may come from smaller firms or in-house teams at various companies outside the stem sector. Agencies and consulting firms often extend offers based on portfolio quality rather than just educational credentials. Employers in the region will appreciate a bachelor's degree in design or related fields, although a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency with industry-standard tools like Figma is even more critical. Continuous learning and possibly pursuing a master's degree in HCI could enhance one's prospects for better pay in this area. Entry-level designers should anticipate varied responsibilities that differ from niche-focused tech roles, especially since many companies find value in designers with a broad skill set. Given current market dynamics post-2023 layoffs, focusing on developing strong portfolios and networking within the local community can be effective strategies for achieving their career goals in UX design within the next few years.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is user experience design school worth it in Dodge City?
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How do I become a ux designer in Kansas?
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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 Dodge City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge City 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