Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Akron, OH: $34,241 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Akron, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,241 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Akron's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,672 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,482) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the UX design field in Akron, Ohio, the starting pay looks promising yet varies significantly based on experience and portfolio quality. The entry-level UX designer salary in Akron is projected to start at $34,241, which is significantly below the city median of $62,482. This gap can feel challenging for fresh graduates, but with a career growth trajectory that can lead to the 25th percentile salary of $44,280 and possibly reaching the median within three to five years, the market holds potential for new designers. Overall, Akron appears to be a reasonable market for newcomers, especially with a steady 6.82% growth rate projected for the industry over the next five years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Akron
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 Akron
Entry-level ux designers in Akron, OH typically start between $34,241 and $44,280 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,991 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,482 — 25.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Ohio of $60,000 represents just 175.23% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,241/year) in Akron. 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 Akron
- 1Research the Akron market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,241 to $44,280, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Akron, 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 Akron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Akron'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 Akron is $70,991 ( 207.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,241, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,232.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,310
2025 BLS Actual
$32,055
2026 Current Est.
$34,241
2021–2027 Growth
+89.4%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Akron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,055 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,241 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,576 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Akron, OH grew 66.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,310 in 2021 to $32,055 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,576. New graduates entering the Akron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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 Akron
Several organizations in Akron, including mid-sized tech firms, digital agencies, and in-house product teams, actively seek entry-level designers, which provides a variety of opportunities. Companies like IDEO and R/GA often recruit through portfolio reviews, while larger tech entities may offer internships that can lead to permanent roles. Graduates should focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases their best work, as this is often more significant than the degree itself. Proficiency in Figma and other design tools is essential, and continuing education, such as a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction, can enhance starting salaries. In light of the recent layoffs in the tech sector, those pursuing a UX career should consider the bifurcation of roles—where some focus on high-paying positions in FAANG companies while others may find themselves in more varied project environments in consulting firms. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the early years indicate potential for steady advancement as designers hone their skills and adapt to market needs.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 Akron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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