UX Designer Salary in Joplin, MO: $54,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Joplin, MO earns a median $54,285/year (≈ $26.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Joplin's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $60,586 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the projected 2026 median pay for UX designers is set at $54,285, a notable discrepancy from the national median of $83,320. This local salary reflects the region's unique dynamics, as the pay scale ranges from $31,485 at the lower end (P10) up to $84,141 for top earners (P90). These figures are derived from state-level estimates and adjusted for regional price parity. Factors such as the choice between working for large tech firms, agencies, or in-house teams significantly influence compensation levels. As Joplin has a smaller tech ecosystem, those seeking to maximize their UX designer salary in Joplin often gravitate towards boutiques or digital agencies that may offer a wider variety of projects, albeit generally at a lower pay scale than larger technology companies.
About the Joplin Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($88,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,485 | $15.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,085 | $18.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,285 | $26.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,484 | $33.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,141 | $40.45 |
Median Salary Position
34.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joplin
In Joplin, MO, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,656 (2026 est.). At $54,285, the local median is 34.85% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joplin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joplin UX Designer Pay Compares
Joplin median: $54,285/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joplin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $55,964 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -34.85% less |
UX Designers in Joplin, MO earn a median of $54,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.85% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $55,964.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joplin has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Joplin, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $54,285 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,586 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,038
2025 BLS Actual
$50,819
2026 Current Est.
$54,285
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Joplin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,038 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,987 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joplin metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $39,038 (2021) to $50,819 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,987 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,949 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joplin 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) | $31,485 – $39,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,085 – $54,285 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,285 – $69,484 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,484 – $84,141 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Joplin
The local job market for UX designers in Joplin is relatively limited, with only eight professionals currently employed in this role, indicating a rather niche market. The cost of living index stands at 89.6, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than the national averages, the affordability of living in Joplin allows for a reasonable take-home purchasing power. Among employers, in-house design teams for regional companies may provide steady employment opportunities, but high-paying positions often go to freelance designers or those working on specialized projects. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to several factors, including the type of tech company, project complexity, and the designer's portfolio strength, particularly if they have previous work with heavily-trafficked applications. To enhance earning potential in this market, UX designers should focus on building a strong portfolio, possibly seeking out contracts that allow them to showcase diverse skills across research, product design, and digital systems, while remaining adaptable to the fluctuating job market post-2023.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
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 $50,819 for ux designersin the Joplin 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 Joplin 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