Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $29,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,636 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,581 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,097) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, new graduates entering the UX design field in Hattiesburg, MS can expect starting salaries that typically range from $29,636 to $36,864, with realistic median annual pay around $51,097 as they gain experience. These figures place entry-level roles significantly below the national median of $83,320, highlighting a gap that can influence career aspirations. Over the first few years, as skills and portfolios develop, designers are likely to see salary progression, moving from entry-level to a more competitive standing if they actively seek opportunities. Despite the current salary landscape, Hattiesburg presents a reasonably good market for new UX designers, offering a growth rate of 6.82% annually and various pathways to advance professionally.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($61,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level ux designers in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $29,636 and $36,864 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,565 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,097 — 38.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Mississippi of $38,000 represents just 128.22% of the starting ux designer pay ($29,636/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $29,636 to $36,864, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $49,565 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,636, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,201.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,898
2025 BLS Actual
$27,744
2026 Current Est.
$29,636
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Hattiesburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,247 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,657 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,898 in 2021 to $27,744 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,657. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Potential employers in Hattiesburg hiring new grad UX designers include local tech firms as well as digital agencies. While major tech companies like FAANG may not have a strong presence in this smaller market, opportunities exist within in-house product teams at non-tech companies, and experienced local agencies often value diverse project experiences. For aspiring designers, credentials like a Bachelor's degree in design or HCI can augment initial pay, especially when complemented by a robust portfolio showcasing competence in tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. First-year and early-career UX designers should tailor their career strategies around the prevalent bifurcation in the field; many find that agency roles offer broader project exposure even if initial pay is lower. As industry dynamics shift and design systems become increasingly critical, maintaining an up-to-date portfolio and expanding skill sets can significantly enhance earning potential in the Hattiesburg market.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Hattiesburg in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Hattiesburg?
Is user experience design school worth it in Hattiesburg?
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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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hattiesburg 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