UX Designer Hourly Pay in Marion, IA: $26.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Marion, IA runs $26.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,328 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, IA, the projected median hourly pay for UX designers stands at $26.71, which is significantly lower than the national median of $40.06 per hour. This difference indicates that designers navigating the local market might face challenges, especially when considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities. Those working three days a week in this profession would earn a base income while enjoying a flexible schedule, a desirable arrangement for many in creative fields. The hourly pay scales from entry-level positions at approximately $15.49 to experienced top-tier professionals earning around $41.39, providing a range of opportunities for aspiring and current designers. Many UX designers find themselves in various work environments, such as tech company design studios, agency creative spaces, remote collaboration utilizing Figma, and home offices, all of which contribute to the evolving nature of UX design work.
About the Marion 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) | $15.49 | $123.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.23 | $153.82 |
| Median (P50) | $26.71 | $213.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.18 | $273.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.39 | $331.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $26.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.71/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,046. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,068.20 | $4,629 | $55,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $640.92 | $2,777 | $33,328 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $427.28 | $1,852 | $22,219 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Marion) | $26.71 |
| 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 Marion, IA earn a median of $55,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.33% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $56,508.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.71/hr = $33,328/year (purchasing power: $36,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,546/year (purchasing power: $61,445).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$19.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.71/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Marion (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Marion grew 30.2% from $19.20/hr (2021) to $25.00/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.53/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 Marion 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 Marion
When evaluating the financial landscape for part-time UX designers in Marion, it becomes evident that a 24-hour work week would yield a notably lower income than what full-time professionals earn. Many per-diem or agency designers operate at rates between $75 and $150 per hour, which emphasizes the potential rewards of contract work over the city’s median hourly pay. For seasoned product designers, billing hourly rates can reach $125 to $250, showcasing the significant earnings potential available outside traditional employment. Various employer types in Marion, from tech giants like Microsoft to digital agencies, offer differing compensation levels, often influenced by the benefits packages attached to full-time roles. Some designers may choose to accept lower rates for stability and insurance coverage, while others may prioritize higher hourly pay without additional benefits. Effective negotiation in this context can make a substantial difference, with local designers encouraged to leverage their skills to negotiate rates commensurate with their experience and the competitive national measures.
More salary data for Marion, 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 Marion. 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 Marion 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