UX Designer Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $53,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Marshalltown, IA earns a median $53,803/year (≈ $25.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Marshalltown's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $59,517 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marshalltown, Iowa, the projected salary for UX designers in 2026 reflects the broad pay implications associated with different employment contexts. Local estimates indicate a median annual salary of $53,803, which sits significantly lower compared to the national median of $83,320, representing a disparity of approximately 35.43%. Salaries in the area span from $31,205 at the lower end to $83,394 at the higher end, showing that while the market provides various compensation levels, the nuances of job type and employer significance play crucial roles in pay. As local talent navigates opportunities in tech-heavy roles, agency work, or in-house design teams, the differences in compensation become apparent, highlighting the importance of aligning career choices with financial expectations in Marshalltown's job market.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,205 | $15.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,738 | $18.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,803 | $25.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,868 | $33.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,394 | $40.09 |
Median Salary Position
35.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, IA, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,189 (2026 est.). At $53,803, the local median is 35.43% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marshalltown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marshalltown UX Designer Pay Compares
Marshalltown median: $53,803/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marshalltown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,516 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -35.43% less |
UX Designers in Marshalltown, IA earn a median of $53,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.43% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 4.80% below the Iowa state average of $56,516.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marshalltown 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.
Marshalltown, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $53,803 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,517 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,691
2025 BLS Actual
$50,368
2026 Current Est.
$53,803
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Marshalltown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,691 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,724 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,472 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $38,691 (2021) to $50,368 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,472 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,781 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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) | $31,205 – $38,738 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,738 – $53,803 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,803 – $68,868 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,868 – $83,394 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Marshalltown
Despite its relatively modest UX designer salary in Marshalltown, the local employment landscape reveals unique opportunities and challenges. Currently, there are around eight UX designers working in the area, which points to niche market dynamics. With a living cost index of 90.4, designers may find their earnings go further than in higher-cost regions, yet this can also reflect limited market competition for more lucrative roles. Local employers range from small agencies to in-house design teams where pay can vary dramatically. Higher salaries are generally found within tech companies and consulting firms specializing in UX design. The pay gap often arises based on company tier, specialization area, and proven experience, such as strong portfolios showcasing projects. For aspiring professionals, focusing on developing expertise in design systems alongside familiarity with tools like Figma can be pivotal for maximizing their potential in Marshalltown's market.
More salary data for Marshalltown, 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 $50,368 for ux designersin the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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