Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Burleson, TX: $42,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Burleson, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,121 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burleson's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,876 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,624) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the UX design field in Burleson, Texas, the starting pay reflects an evolving market landscape. In 2026, entry-level UX designers can expect salaries starting at approximately $42,121, a figure significantly lower than the city's median salary of $72,624. This gap indicates a typical growth pathway for fresh graduates as they build experience—moving from the entry-level salary to more competitive figures, such as $52,289 at the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median over a three to five-year timeline. Burleson presents a moderately promising environment for new designers, especially considering its low cost of living index at 96, slightly below the national average, which can offset some of the lower starting salaries in the area.
About the Burleson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($101,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burleson
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 Burleson
Entry-level ux designers in Burleson, TX typically start between $42,121 and $52,289 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,446 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,624 — 12.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Texas of $60,000 represents just 142.45% of the starting ux designer pay ($42,121/year) in Burleson. 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 Burleson
- 1Research the Burleson market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $42,121 to $52,289, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burleson, 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 Burleson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burleson'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 Burleson is $70,446 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,121, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,567.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,281
2025 BLS Actual
$39,432
2026 Current Est.
$42,121
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Burleson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,432 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,994 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Burleson, TX grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,281 in 2021 to $39,432 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,994. New graduates entering the Burleson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burleson 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 Burleson
In Burleson, several key employers emerge as focal points for new UX designers looking to break into the field. Tech giants such as FAANG companies often recruit through established internship pipelines, offering seamless transitions to full-time roles. Conversely, digital agencies and in-house teams typically lean towards reviewing portfolios in recruitment. A bachelor’s degree in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field is beneficial, but a well-crafted portfolio showcasing proficiency in Figma and other industry tools remains a critical asset. Early in their careers, designers might find varied experiences across agency and consulting work rewarding, despite potentially lower pay compared to tech companies. As the industry adjusts post-2023 layoffs, understanding specialties in design systems or broad project scopes can help entry-level designers navigate their career trajectories effectively, fostering realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Burleson, TX:
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 Burleson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burleson 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