UX Designer Salary in Emporia, KS: $52,441 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Emporia, KS earns a median $52,441/year (≈ $25.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $57,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a UX designer in Emporia, Kansas, is $52,441, significantly lower than the national median of $83,320. The salary range varies considerably, with the lowest 10% earning around $30,416 and those in the top 10% making up to $81,284. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, reflect the local market's dynamics which differ significantly from higher-paying tech hubs. In Emporia, UX designers may find themselves working in a mix of roles, whether at large tech firms, smaller agencies, or in-house positions at non-tech companies, each presenting distinct pay implications based on market demands and specialization.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($65,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,416 | $14.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,323 | $18.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,441 | $25.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,125 | $32.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,284 | $39.07 |
Median Salary Position
37.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,868 (2026 est.). At $52,441, the local median is 37.06% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia UX Designer Pay Compares
Emporia median: $52,441/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $56,816 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -37.06% less |
UX Designers in Emporia, KS earn a median of $52,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.06% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $56,816.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $52,441 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,691 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$37,712
2025 BLS Actual
$49,093
2026 Current Est.
$52,441
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Emporia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,516 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,093 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,441 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,018 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $37,712 (2021) to $49,093 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,018 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,306 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $30,416 – $38,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,323 – $52,441 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,441 – $67,125 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,125 – $81,284 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Emporia
Currently, there are only five UX designers employed in Emporia, indicating a niche job market that may present unique opportunities for skilled professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the purchasing power in Emporia is slightly below the national average, suggesting that local salaries stretch further compared to coastal cities. Among potential employers, larger tech firms may pay higher salaries than local agencies or non-tech companies, though specialized roles focusing on design research and management may outpace typical product design positions in compensation. To maximize earnings in Emporia’s job market, a strong portfolio featuring well-known projects and proficiency in tools like Figma can be beneficial, as will pursuing roles that align with higher-paying sectors such as technology or consulting. Ultimately, understanding these market factors can guide designers in negotiating favorable compensation and aligning their career paths with emerging trends.
More salary data for Emporia, 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
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 $49,093 for ux designersin the Emporia 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 Emporia 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