Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Kenosha, WI: $33,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Kenosha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,574 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenosha's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,946 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,886) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aspiring to start their careers as UX designers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the starting salary often reflects the reality of entering a competitive field. With entry-level positions generally offering around $33,574, fresh graduates should manage their expectations as this figure falls significantly below the city median salary of $57,886. Over the first three to five years, however, there is a promising growth trajectory as designers typically progress through the salary tiers, possibly reaching the $42,380 mark found at the 25th percentile and eventually breaking into the median range. Given the city’s relatively low cost of living index at 93.4, Kenosha can present a favorable market, albeit entry-level pay is notably lower than the national average of $83,320 in 2026.
About the Kenosha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenosha
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 Kenosha
Entry-level ux designers in Kenosha, WI typically start between $33,574 and $42,380 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,149 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,886 — 30.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 163.82% of the starting ux designer pay ($33,574/year) in Kenosha. 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 Kenosha
- 1Research the Kenosha market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $33,574 to $42,380, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenosha, 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 Kenosha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenosha'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 Kenosha is $56,149 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,574, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,723.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,542
2025 BLS Actual
$31,430
2026 Current Est.
$33,574
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Kenosha (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,202 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,863 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Kenosha, WI grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,542 in 2021 to $31,430 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,863. New graduates entering the Kenosha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
In Kenosha, several types of employers actively seek to recruit new grad UX designers, providing diverse opportunities for fresh talent. Local businesses, startups, and in-house teams at non-tech companies often hire juniors, while larger tech firms like Microsoft and Adobe typically have pathways through internship programs that lead to full-time positions. Those coming from top design programs may find themselves in a stronger position if they stay proficient in tools like Figma or Adobe Creative Suite, as portfolios are critical in reflecting design ability and experience. As the industry continues to navigate the aftermath of layoffs in 2023-2024, entering the field as a UX designer today requires a strategy that balances the desire for creative project variety against the high pay offered by FAANG companies. New designers can expect realistic salary growth over their first three years, heavily influenced by their ongoing portfolio development and any additional credentials, like a specialized Master's degree, which can elevate their starting pay in Wisconsin.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Kenosha in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Kenosha?
Is user experience design school worth it in Kenosha?
What do new ux designers make right out of school in Kenosha?
How do I become a ux designer in Wisconsin?
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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 Kenosha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenosha 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