Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Menomonee Falls, WI: $33,361 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Menomonee Falls, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,361 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonee Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,718 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,518) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aiming to enter the UX design field in Menomonee Falls, the starting ux designer salary is projected at around $33,361 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the city’s median salary of $57,518, illustrating a substantial gap that early-career professionals may face. However, as they gain experience, entry-level designers can expect to progress through salary tiers, with potential earnings rising to $41,413 and higher within their first few years. The local job market for UX designers appears favorable, particularly as the demand for digital skills continues to grow across various sectors, offering promising opportunities for recent graduates in this vibrant community.
About the Menomonee Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonee Falls
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 Menomonee Falls
Entry-level ux designers in Menomonee Falls, WI typically start between $33,361 and $41,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,518 — 30.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 164.86% of the starting ux designer pay ($33,361/year) in Menomonee Falls. 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 Menomonee Falls
- 1Research the Menomonee Falls market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $33,361 to $41,413, 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 Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonee Falls'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 Menomonee Falls is $55,792 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,361, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,153.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,399
2025 BLS Actual
$31,231
2026 Current Est.
$33,361
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Menomonee Falls (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,399 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,231 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,361 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,636 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonee Falls, WI grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,399 in 2021 to $31,231 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,636. New graduates entering the Menomonee Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonee Falls 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 Menomonee Falls
Several employers in Menomonee Falls are known to hire emerging talent in the UX design space, including tech companies and local agencies. Many firms look for candidates who possess a strong portfolio showcasing their work rather than focusing solely on formal education, although a Bachelor’s degree in design, HCI, or a related field is generally expected. Familiarity with tools like Figma is essential, given its position as an industry standard. In terms of career strategy, entry-level designers should consider the bifurcation between high-paying positions within FAANG companies that focus on specific areas like product design and broad-scope roles at agencies that offer diverse project opportunities. Given the recent wave of layoffs in the tech industry, it's crucial for new grads to emphasize adaptability and stay engaged with design communities. Realistic salary growth during the initial years often sees a gradual increase, allowing new designers to build their skills and expand their portfolios effectively.
More salary data for Menomonee Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Menomonee Falls in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Menomonee Falls?
Is user experience design school worth it in Menomonee Falls?
What do new ux designers make right out of school in Menomonee Falls?
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 Menomonee Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonee Falls 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