Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Richfield, MN: $34,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Richfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,387 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,911 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,288) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Richfield, Minnesota, offers a competitive market for new graduates entering the UX design field, with starting salaries for entry-level UX designers projected at $34,387. This figure, while lower than the city’s median annual salary of $59,288, represents a reasonable entry point for those beginning their careers. Over the first few years, entry-level designers can expect salary growth that may lead them to earn around $43,437 after two to three years, eventually positioning themselves nearer to the median salary as they gain experience. With an annual growth rate of 6.82%, Richfield can be seen as a supportive environment for fresh graduates aiming to establish a foothold in the UX industry, especially as the overall demand for designers continues to rise.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richfield
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 Richfield
Entry-level ux designers in Richfield, MN typically start between $34,387 and $43,437 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,510 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,288 — 28.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Minnesota of $68,000 represents just 197.75% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,387/year) in Richfield. 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 Richfield
- 1Research the Richfield market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,387 to $43,437, 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richfield'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 Richfield is $57,510 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,387, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,897.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,088
2025 BLS Actual
$32,192
2026 Current Est.
$34,387
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Richfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,066 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,733 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Richfield, MN grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,088 in 2021 to $32,192 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,733. New graduates entering the Richfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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 Richfield
Opportunities in Richfield are largely concentrated within tech companies, digital agencies, and a variety of in-house product teams. Organizations like Fortune 500 firms may favor candidates who are emerging from top HCI or design programs, often utilizing internship pipelines that can lead to permanent positions. Freelance platforms can also be beneficial for new grads seeking to build their portfolios and gain practical experience. A relevant bachelor’s degree in design, HCI, or a related field is essential, though possessing a strong portfolio can sometimes outweigh formal education. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Figma, along with a well-crafted design portfolio, is key to improving starting pay in Minnesota. Aspiring designers should focus on building versatile skills, especially given the bifurcation in the UX role—those in FAANG companies may see higher financial rewards, while agency positions offer broader exposure to various projects and types of work in their initial career stages.
More salary data for Richfield, 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 Richfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richfield 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