UX Designer Hourly Pay in Rapid City, SD: $46.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Rapid City, SD runs $46.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Rapid City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,604 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the projected hourly pay for a UX designer is $46.96, which is notably higher than the national median of $40.06 per hour. This elevated rate reflects the region's competitive demands for quality design talent, particularly in environments ranging from tech company design studios to hybrid workplaces that utilize Figma for collaboration. For those occupying part-time roles, working on a 3-day/week schedule may yield an encouraging income, while freelance professionals can leverage the flexibility of their hours. The hourly range for UX designers in Rapid City varies significantly from $27.24 for entry-level positions to as much as $72.80 for top earners, providing avenues for growth and specialization in this field. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, pointing to a healthy expectation for UX designers entering the job market.
About the Rapid City Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($89,400) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.24 | $217.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.81 | $270.47 |
| Median (P50) | $46.96 | $375.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.12 | $480.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.80 | $582.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rapid City
Based on $46.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.96/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rapid City, SD can expect to earn approximately $97,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,350. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rapid City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rapid City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,878.32 | $8,139 | $97,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,126.99 | $4,884 | $58,604 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.33 | $3,256 | $39,069 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Rapid City) | $46.96 |
| 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 Rapid City, SD earn a median of $97,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.24% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 1.20% above the South Dakota state average of $96,525.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.96/hr = $58,604/year (purchasing power: $63,151).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,673/year (purchasing power: $105,251).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$33.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.96/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Rapid City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Rapid City grew 30.2% from $33.77/hr (2021) to $43.96/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.16/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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City
Examining the earning potential in a part-time capacity can offer insights for UX designers contemplating their career trajectories. For example, a UX designer working just 24 hours per week can earn a substantial income over a year, in contrast to those opting for full-time employment. The reality for per-diem and contract UX designers in Rapid City often involves billing rates that can reach up to $150 per hour for standard practices, while seasoned product designers can command even higher fees, often ranging from $125 to $250 per hour. On the other hand, boutique consulting firms may pay anywhere from $200 to $400 per hour for their senior design consultants. Factors such as employer type significantly influence hourly rates. Freelance designers may have the potential for higher pay but often sacrifice benefits like health insurance, making it essential for them to negotiate effectively. Understanding the compensation landscape and effective negotiation strategies can prove invaluable in maximizing hourly earnings in a diverse market like Rapid City, SD.
More salary data for Rapid City, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Rapid City. 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 Rapid City 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