UX Designer Salary in Yankton, SD: $92,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Yankton, SD earns a median $92,822/year (≈ $44.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $100,024 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, ux designers in Yankton, South Dakota, can anticipate a median annual salary of $92,822. This figure positions local compensation approximately 11.40% higher than the national median of $83,320, suggesting a healthier market for design talent in the area. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $53,837 and the top 10% achieving up to $143,875. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living considerations. As Ukrainton continues to grow as a viable market for design talent, opportunities within technology companies, agencies, and in-house teams are likely to evolve, offering distinct advantages and challenges in pay.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($89,400) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,837 | $25.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,832 | $32.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,822 | $44.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,813 | $57.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,875 | $69.17 |
Median Salary Position
11.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,038 (2026 est.). At $92,822, the local median is 11.4% above the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yankton UX Designer Pay Compares
Yankton median: $92,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $96,589 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | +11.40% more |
UX Designers in Yankton, SD earn a median of $92,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% higher than the national median of $83,320 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $96,589.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $92,822 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,024 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$66,751
2025 BLS Actual
$86,896
2026 Current Est.
$92,822
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Yankton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $66,751 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,748 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,153 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $66,751 (2021) to $86,896 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,153 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,402 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $53,837 – $66,832 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,832 – $92,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,822 – $118,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,813 – $143,875 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Yankton
The local ux designer job market is relatively small, with only four designers currently employed in the Yankton area, indicating a niche but developing field. The cost of living in Yankton, reflected in a lower CoL index of 92.8, allows for greater purchasing power compared to many other U.S. locales. Among employers, in-house product design teams often offer the highest pay, driven by company resources and the stability they can provide. The disparity in compensation can be influenced by factors such as the reputation of the employer, design specialization, and the strength of one's portfolio, especially if it includes notable projects using industry-standard tools like Figma. To maximize earnings, ux designers in Yankton should focus on enhancing their skills in high-demand areas, developing a robust portfolio, and considering positions that offer equity or performance-linked bonuses to ensure they are competitive in this local context.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
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 $86,896 for ux designersin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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