UX Designer Salary in Elk River, MN: $60,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Elk River, MN earns a median $60,305/year (≈ $28.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,223 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, the 2026 median annual salary for UX designers is projected at $60,305, markedly lower than the national median of $83,320, showcasing a difference of 27.62%. Salaries in the area exhibit a wide range, with figures spanning from $34,977 at the 10th percentile to $93,473 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and expertise in the market. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicate a growing interest in UX design, with a promising 6.82% annual growth rate over the next five years. The job market for UX designers in Elk River suggests a trade-off between roles focusing on individual contribution versus management, wherein higher specialization in design—especially in technology-centric firms—can lead to competitive salaries.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,800) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,977 | $16.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,094 | $21.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,305 | $28.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,190 | $37.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,473 | $44.94 |
Median Salary Position
27.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,496 (2026 est.). At $60,305, the local median is 27.62% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River UX Designer Pay Compares
Elk River median: $60,305/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $61,536 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -27.62% less |
UX Designers in Elk River, MN earn a median of $60,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.62% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $61,536.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $60,305 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,223 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,367
2025 BLS Actual
$56,455
2026 Current Est.
$60,305
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Elk River (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,367 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,556 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,455 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,418 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $43,367 (2021) to $56,455 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,418 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,051 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $34,977 – $44,094 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,094 – $60,305 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,305 – $77,190 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,190 – $93,473 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Elk River
The local job market features only four employed UX designers, a number that illustrates the niche demand within Elk River. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 98.5, this suggests that purchasing power may be slightly better than the national average, allowing designers to stretch their salaries further. Among employers, tech companies and in-house product design teams often offer the highest pay, especially those tying compensation to stock options and equity. The salary variance within Elk River can be driven by company type, specific design focus (such as UX research or product design), and the strength of one's portfolio, particularly if it includes high-traffic applications. For those seeking to maximize pay in this specific market, cultivating expertise in design systems and showcasing a robust portfolio with successful projects may be key strategies to stand out among potential employers.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
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 $56,455 for ux designersin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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