UX Designer Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $27.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Wichita, KS runs $27.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,088 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
UX designers in Wichita, Kansas, can expect a median hourly pay of $27.31, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $40.06. This difference indicates a competitive landscape for local designers, particularly those looking for part-time positions or per-diem work. With the ability to work three days a week, a UX designer could earn around $41,555 annually if they clock in approximately 24 hours each week. The hourly compensation for entry-level roles in the city starts at $16.60, while experienced professionals can reach impressive rates as high as $51.49, reflecting the pay range from $34,538 to $107,082. Official data based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026 reflects these figures, underscoring the potential for flexible work environments in tech studios, agency creative spaces, and freelance setups.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.60 | $132.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.99 | $159.89 |
| Median (P50) | $27.31 | $218.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.86 | $286.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.49 | $411.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $27.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.31/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $56,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,777. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.55 | $4,734 | $56,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.53 | $2,841 | $34,088 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.02 | $1,894 | $22,725 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Wichita) | $27.31 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $56,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.82% lower than the national median of $83,320.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.31/hr = $34,088/year (purchasing power: $38,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,813/year (purchasing power: $63,873).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.31/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+96.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Wichita (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Wichita grew 72.5% from $14.82/hr (2021) to $25.57/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.18/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
When considering the earning potential for part-time designers, those working a typical 24-hour week would take home around $41,555 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem engagements in agency settings present a different reality, where many contract or freelance UX designers can bill anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour. Senior design consultants and UX researchers working in boutiques might command rates between $200 and $400 per hour, signalling the variability in the market based on employer type. Rates differ widely depending on whether an individual is tied to tech companies, digital product agencies, or consulting firms in Wichita. Many designers opt for the stability of benefits at lower hourly rates versus the higher pay without benefits, making negotiations crucial. For those seeking positions in this market, emphasizing relevant skills in Figma and maintaining flexibility in work arrangements can strengthen their appeal and leverage during discussions about hourly pay.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
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 Wichita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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