Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Laurel, MS: $28,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,727 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,520 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,529) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A new graduate stepping into the realm of UX design in Laurel, Mississippi can expect a starting salary that reflects both local economic conditions and industry trends. Entry-level positions typically offer starting pay around $28,727, which can be a challenging figure compared to the city median of $49,529. This gap highlights the need for new designers to set realistic expectations while also considering their growth trajectory. With dedicated skill development and the right opportunities, designers can move from this initial figure to an estimated $36,303 within a few years. The local market offers a budding environment for young talent, making Laurel a viable destination for recent graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($61,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level ux designers in Laurel, MS typically start between $28,727 and $36,303 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,043 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,529 — 40.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Mississippi of $38,000 represents just 132.28% of the starting ux designer pay ($28,727/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $28,727 to $36,303, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $48,043 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,727, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,770.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,288
2025 BLS Actual
$26,893
2026 Current Est.
$28,727
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,288 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,686 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,288 in 2021 to $26,893 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,686. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Employers in Laurel that actively seek new grads often include not only local startups but also in-house design teams within larger organizations, as they look for fresh talent to contribute to their projects. Prospective UX designers should focus on building strong portfolios, as practical experience and demonstrated project work often outweigh the specific degree held. Notably, proficiency in Figma and familiarity with design systems can significantly enhance employability and starting pay in the region. As the UX landscape narrows in the wake of 2023-2024 layoffs, candidates who can adapt to dual roles in product research and design can position themselves favorably. With measured expectations for salary growth in the first few years, newcomers in Laurel should aim for continuous learning and networking to secure more favorable roles that can lead to better compensation paths ahead.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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