Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Rawlins, WY: $66,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,766 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,693 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,112) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates embarking on a career in UX design in Rawlins, WY, the estimated starting compensation presents both opportunities and challenges. In 2026, entry-level positions offer a starting salary of around $66,766, which can feel stark compared to the median annual salary of $115,112 in the area. This significant gap suggests that new designers may need to be patient and persistent, climbing through the pay scale as they gain experience and skills. Expectations should be tempered with the knowledge that, within just a few years, salaries can ascend to the P25 figure of $82,881 before potentially reaching the city median. Given Rawlins' cost of living index at 95.8, it remains a relatively affordable place for those starting their careers, providing a conducive environment for new graduates to grow and navigate their early professional journeys.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level ux designers in Rawlins, WY typically start between $66,766 and $82,881 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,659 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,112 — 38.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Wyoming of $45,000 represents just 67.40% of the starting ux designer pay ($66,766/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $66,766 to $82,881, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $111,659 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,766, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,425.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$44,828
2025 BLS Actual
$62,503
2026 Current Est.
$66,766
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Rawlins (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,061 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,503 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,319 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,828 in 2021 to $62,503 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,319. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Looking at employment opportunities, several organizations in Rawlins are open to hiring entry-level UX designers, particularly local firms looking for fresh talent with a strong foundation in design principles. Tech companies and digital agencies known for hiring new graduates often focus on candidates with a degree in a related field alongside an impressive portfolio. Candidates equipped with software skills in tools like Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite stand to gain an edge in the competitive market. As the demand for design systems and research skills grows, fresh graduates should also consider the bifurcation in UX roles between high-paying FAANG companies and broader-scope positions in agencies or non-tech in-house teams. Given the recent layoffs in tech, it's wise to diversify skills and explore various niches in UX to maximize salary growth, which can realistically occur in the first few years as one establishes expertise in specific areas.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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