Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Kingsport, TN: $28,129 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Kingsport, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,129 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsport's local price level (BEA RPP 86.4 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,539 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,397) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Kingsport, Tennessee, presents a competitive environment for new graduates aiming to break into the UX design field. In 2026, entry-level positions are expected to start around $28,129, a number that reflects the realities of early-career salaries in the area. While this figure is significantly below the median annual salary of $36,397 for all UX designers in Kingsport, it does represent a foundation upon which new designers can build their skills and experience. As entry-level roles typically offer a pathway to advancement, salaries may progress from initial pay to moderate figures like $28,273 and climb toward the city median over the first few years. Thus, for fresh graduates, Kingsport can be a viable market, especially considering the anticipated annual growth rate of 6.82% in the design sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsport
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 Kingsport
Entry-level ux designers in Kingsport, TN typically start between $28,129 and $28,273 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,784 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,397 — 56.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Tennessee of $55,000 represents just 195.53% of the starting ux designer pay ($28,129/year) in Kingsport. 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 Kingsport
- 1Research the Kingsport market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $28,129 to $28,273, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingsport, 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 Kingsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsport'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 Kingsport is $50,784 ( 180.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,129, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,913.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,886
2025 BLS Actual
$26,333
2026 Current Est.
$28,129
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Kingsport (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,886 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,129 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,047 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsport, TN grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,886 in 2021 to $26,333 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,047. New graduates entering the Kingsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 Kingsport
In Kingsport, various employers are actively seeking out new talent in the UX design realm. Tech-driven companies, smaller digital agencies, and in-house product teams at local businesses often recruit from top universities, especially those with strong design or HCI programs. While major players like FAANG are less prevalent locally, aspiring designers can find opportunities through internships or entry-level roles that lead to more significant positions over time. Prospective candidates should consider building a strong portfolio showcasing their skills, particularly in tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, which are essential in this industry. Networking and seeking out mentorship can also enhance career prospects, bridging the gap between entry-level salaries and the higher-end pay seen as designers gain experience. The evolving landscape has seen an increased demand for those skilled in design systems, and a focus on these specialties could offer a pathway to accelerated salary growth beyond the initial starting points typical for new grad UX designers in TN.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
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 Kingsport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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