Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Faribault, MN: $33,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,724 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,238 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,144) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Faribault, MN, those stepping into the realm of UX design can expect to earn an entry-level salary that starts around $33,724 per year. This initial figure is quite a bit below the median annual salary for all UX designers in the area, which stands at $58,144, reflecting a gap that new graduates should be aware of. However, the earning potential for entry-level positions has room for growth, with first-job salaries expected to rise to around $41,864 at the 25th percentile and further towards the 50th percentile median within the first few years of career development. Currently, Faribault presents a moderately appealing market for recent graduates given its stability and projected annual growth rate of 6.82% over the next five years, making it feasible for interested individuals to start their careers here despite lower-than-national-average pay.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level ux designers in Faribault, MN typically start between $33,724 and $41,864 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,400 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,144 — 30.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Minnesota of $68,000 represents just 201.64% of the starting ux designer pay ($33,724/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $33,724 to $41,864, 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 Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $56,400 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,724, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,124.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,643
2025 BLS Actual
$31,571
2026 Current Est.
$33,724
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Faribault (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,024 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,643 in 2021 to $31,571 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,024. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
Employers in Faribault that hire new graduates in the UX design field tend to vary greatly, from local firms to non-tech companies seeking in-house product designers. While big names such as FAANG companies are less prevalent in this small market, opportunities still exist in digital agencies and consulting firms looking for fresh talent across various projects. Possessing a bachelor's degree in design or a related field can set candidates apart, but what truly matters is showcasing a strong, relevant portfolio. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, as many employers prioritize practical skills over formal education. Early in one’s career, it's advisable for newly minted UX designers to explore diverse roles, from agency work that enables project variety to positions at smaller firms that may offer deeper engagement in design processes, thus enriching their experience and enhancing salary growth in the years that follow.
More salary data for Faribault, 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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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