Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Billings, MT: $71,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,870 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,709 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,913) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the UX design field in Billings, Montana, can anticipate a starting salary around $71,870. This initial compensation is noticeably lower than the city's median annual salary of $123,913, highlighting a substantial gap typical for entry-level positions. Aspiring UX designers should view this entry-level salary as a foundation, with opportunities for growth as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, reaching the 25th percentile at $89,217 is a realistic goal for dedicated professionals. Billings presents an engaging market for new graduates, particularly because of its cost of living index of 96.2, which is below the national average, enabling comfortable living even at lower salary tiers.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
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 Billings
Entry-level ux designers in Billings, MT typically start between $71,870 and $89,217 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,196 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,913 — 48.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Montana of $48,000 represents just 66.79% of the starting ux designer pay ($71,870/year) in Billings. 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 Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $71,870 to $89,217, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, 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 Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings'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 Billings is $120,196 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,870, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,066.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$48,255
2025 BLS Actual
$67,281
2026 Current Est.
$71,870
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,771 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,255 in 2021 to $67,281 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,771. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
New graduates seeking UX design opportunities in Billings can find several viable employers who actively hire for entry-level positions. Smaller digital agencies may be more inclined to recruit early-career designers, while larger companies, including those in the tech sector, often look for candidates through internship programs that lead to full-time offers. A strong portfolio is key, and candidates with a Bachelor's degree in design, HCI, or related fields, along with proficiency in tools like Figma, will stand out. Continuing education, such as obtaining a Master's degree or completing specialty courses, can enhance a candidate's appeal and potentially increase their starting pay. Given the industry's recent shifts and the impact of layoffs in 2023, strategy will play a critical role in early career development. Consequently, compensation prospects in the first few years can vary but provide room for considerable advancement, especially for those focusing on design systems where demand is on the rise.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billings 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