UX Designer Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $27.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Ames, IA runs $27.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,728 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ames, Iowa, the median hourly pay for a UX designer is projected to be $27.03 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $40.06. This rate creates an interesting dynamic for both full-time professionals and those considering part-time or per-diem roles. Part-time designers working three days a week might find this an appealing option, as the typical environments where UX work flourishes—such as tech company studios, creative agency spaces, in-house design pods, or remote setups using Figma—are fairly flexible. Entry-level designers in Ames can expect to earn at the lower end of the spectrum around $15.67 per hour, while more seasoned professionals may command rates closer to $41.89, reflecting a broad variation in earnings based on skill and experience. However, even top earners in Ames fall short of the national average, which highlights potential challenges for local UX designers in maximizing their income compared to their counterparts elsewhere.
About the Ames Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.67 | $125.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.70 |
| Median (P50) | $27.03 | $216.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.59 | $276.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.89 | $335.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $27.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.03/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,431. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,081.02 | $4,684 | $56,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.61 | $2,811 | $33,728 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.41 | $1,874 | $22,485 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Ames) | $27.03 |
| Graphic Designer (National Avg) | $29.14 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.07 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $55.79 |
UX Designers in Ames, IA earn a median of $56,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.53% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.50% below the Iowa state average of $56,497.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.03/hr = $33,728/year (purchasing power: $37,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,213/year (purchasing power: $62,182).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$19.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.03/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Ames (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Ames grew 30.2% from $19.43/hr (2021) to $25.30/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ux designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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.
Working as an Hourly UX Designer in Ames
Exploring the financial landscape for UX designers in Ames reveals that a part-time schedule for a designer working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $33,711, well below the earning potential of full-time positions. For per-diem or contract roles, opportunities exist where UX designers charge rate significantly higher, often billing between $75 and $150 per hour, with experienced consultants and senior designers exceeding even these figures. Companies vary widely in their compensation, with tech giants like Microsoft or Adobe offering attractive rates that still might not match the national averages, while boutique firms could provide lower hourly wages but potentially better benefits. Designers must weigh such trade-offs carefully, as opting for a higher hourly rate in contract roles often comes without health coverage. Negotiation skills become vital for those in Ames, especially when crafting proposals to potential employers or clients, and understanding how to position oneself within the local market can make a considerable difference in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ux designers in Ames. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ames 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