Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Winona, MN: $33,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,833 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,348 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,333) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the UX design field in Winona, Minnesota, expectations for starting salaries can initially seem modest. The anticipated entry-level pay, at the P10 level, sits at $33,833, which falls significantly below the median annual salary for all UX designers in the city, projected at $58,333. However, there is potential for growth as entry-level designers typically advance into roles that can yield $41,999 at the P25 level, closing the gap over a few years. The trajectory of salaries suggests a pathway from this entry-level starting point to a more sustainable income, particularly as designers gain experience in a marketplace that is currently burgeoning with opportunities. With an annual growth rate of 6.82%, Winona presents a viable environment for recent graduates eager to embark on their careers in UX design.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level ux designers in Winona, MN typically start between $33,833 and $41,999 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,584 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,333 — 29.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Minnesota of $68,000 represents just 200.99% of the starting ux designer pay ($33,833/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $33,833 to $41,999, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $56,584 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,833, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,417.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,716
2025 BLS Actual
$31,673
2026 Current Est.
$33,833
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Winona (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,408 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,673 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,141 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,716 in 2021 to $31,673 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,141. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
In Winona, employers keen on hiring entry-level UX designers include a mix of tech companies and local firms, often focusing on building digital products or engaging in contract work. While major corporations like FAANG may not have a direct presence in Winona, similar opportunities can arise through local digital agencies or startup environments. For new grads looking to maximize their starting UX designer salary in MN, possessing a bachelor's degree related to design, human-computer interaction (HCI), or fine arts is essential, although a strong portfolio typically holds greater weight. Familiarity with Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Sketch enhances employability as these tools dominate the industry. Furthermore, positioning oneself strategically by considering roles in agencies allows for a broader range of projects, which can lead to varied skills that are increasingly valuable as specialization in design systems becomes recognized. With realistic salary growth expected in the years following initial employment, new designers should be prepared for an evolving career path that balances aspirations with market realities.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Winona in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Winona?
Is user experience design school worth it in Winona?
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How do I become a ux designer in Minnesota?
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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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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