Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Edina, MN: $34,514 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,514 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,040 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,506) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the UX design field in Edina, Minnesota, can expect an entry-level UX designer salary starting around $34,514. This figure marks the lower end of the salary spectrum and highlights that those just beginning their careers may face a notable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $59,506. For early-career designers, there is potential for salary growth as the value of their work and experience accumulates over their first three to five years. Graduates can anticipate moving from entry-level salaries to the 25th percentile at around $42,844, and ultimately reaching the median as they build their skills in vital tools like Figma and refine their portfolios. Given the anticipated growth in demand for UX roles with an annual growth rate of 6.82%, Edina presents a favorable market for new entrants eager to develop their careers in this dynamic field.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
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 Edina
Entry-level ux designers in Edina, MN typically start between $34,514 and $42,844 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,721 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,506 — 28.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Minnesota of $68,000 represents just 197.02% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,514/year) in Edina. 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 Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,514 to $42,844, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edina, 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 Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina's moderate 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 Edina is $57,721 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,514, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,235.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,173
2025 BLS Actual
$32,310
2026 Current Est.
$34,514
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Edina (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,173 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,908 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,254 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,514 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,867 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,173 in 2021 to $32,310 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,867. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina 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 Edina
As they embark on their professional journeys, aspiring UX designers in Edina should consider the local job market dynamics. Numerous tech companies and digital agencies source talent from prominent HCI and design programs, offering entry-level roles to graduates equipped with strong portfolios. Notable employers often include larger entities like FAANG companies, which typically allow interns to transition into full-time positions, and agencies that prioritize innovative design solutions. For those pursuing credentials that augment their portfolios, a Bachelor's degree in design, HCI, or fine arts can be beneficial, while advanced degrees from esteemed institutions offer an edge. Moreover, mastering tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Sketch is essential, as is focusing on niches like design systems that are gaining traction in the aftermath of recent industry layoffs. Growth potential in salary for entry-level roles typically reflects a gradual increase in responsibility and expertise, allowing designers to consolidate their position during the crucial first one to three years, expanding their opportunities for higher compensation as they gain real-world experience in this competitive market.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina 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