UX Designer Salary in Muskegon, MI: $52,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Muskegon, MI earns a median $52,916/year (≈ $25.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $56,777 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, the earnings for UX designers in Muskegon, MI, are projected to reach a median annual salary of $52,916, which presents a stark contrast to the national figure of $83,320. Local salaries can range dramatically from $30,692 at the 10th percentile to $82,021 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation in compensation based on experience, expertise, and employer type. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, highlight a distinct landscape where opportunities in high-paying tech firms differ notably from salaries offered by agencies and in-house teams. Notably, with a modest number of UX designers currently employed in Muskegon, the job market reflects a balance of competition and opportunities, particularly as the region adapts to shifts in demand for specialized design skills.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($80,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,692 | $14.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,099 | $18.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,916 | $25.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,733 | $32.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,021 | $39.44 |
Median Salary Position
36.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,329 (2026 est.). At $52,916, the local median is 36.49% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon UX Designer Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $52,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $54,273 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -36.49% less |
UX Designers in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $52,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.49% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $54,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $52,916 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,777 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,054
2025 BLS Actual
$49,538
2026 Current Est.
$52,916
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Muskegon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,525 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $38,054 (2021) to $49,538 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,525 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,471 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $30,692 – $38,099 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,099 – $52,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,916 – $67,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,733 – $82,021 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Muskegon
The job market for UX designers in Muskegon is characterized by its limited number of positions, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, which means the purchasing power for designers in Muskegon may actually be more favorable when compared to other regions with higher living costs. While larger tech firms tend to offer the highest salaries, local startups and consulting firms can provide unique opportunities for those seeking diverse project experiences. The disparity between lower and higher salaries is often influenced by factors such as the tier of the company, with FAANG and unicorns generally commanding higher pay through stock options and bonuses. Specialization areas—ranging from research to product design—also play a crucial role in determining compensation levels. For UX designers aiming to maximize their earnings in Muskegon, focusing on building a strong portfolio with industry-standard tools like Figma and actively engaging in networking within tech communities can be particularly advantageous.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
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 $49,538 for ux designersin the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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