UX Designer Salary in Marion, IA: $55,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Marion, IA earns a median $55,547/year (≈ $26.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Marion's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $61,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $55,547 in 2026, the ux designer salary in Marion, IA is significantly lower than the national median of $83,320. This local figure indicates a competitive but challenging market for design professionals, particularly those weighing the tradeoff between individual contributor roles and management tracks. The salary range for ux designers varies considerably, with estimates suggesting a low of $32,218 at the 10th percentile and a high of $86,099 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living. As opportunities arise, designers must assess the potential for growth, especially in a job market with only six ux designers currently employed in the area.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,218 | $15.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,994 | $19.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,547 | $26.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,100 | $34.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,099 | $41.39 |
Median Salary Position
33.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
In Marion, IA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,881 (2026 est.). At $55,547, the local median is 33.33% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marion UX Designer Pay Compares
Marion median: $55,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,508 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -33.33% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marion has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marion, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $55,547 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,946
2025 BLS Actual
$52,001
2026 Current Est.
$55,547
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Marion (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,336 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marion metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $39,946 (2021) to $52,001 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,336 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,390 (48.54%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,218 – $39,994 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,994 – $55,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,547 – $71,100 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,100 – $86,099 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Marion
In Marion, the local job market shows modest strength, evidenced by the employment of six ux designers. However, the cost of living index standing at 90.4 suggests a below-average economic environment that can impact take-home purchasing power. To maximize ux designer pay in Marion, it is crucial to consider employment opportunities within tech firms and digital product agencies, where compensation tends to be higher compared to in-house positions at non-tech companies. The disparity in pay also reflects factors such as the nature of the work (with research roles generally commanding higher salaries), the strength of the designer's portfolio, and the competitive landscape influenced by recent industry layoffs. Professionals who focus on building a strong portfolio that includes high-impact projects may negotiate better salaries, especially when demonstrating proficiency in tools like Figma. Continuous skills enhancement and networking in local design communities can also lead to greater career advancement opportunities.
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $52,001 for ux designersin the Marion metropolitan area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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