UX Designer Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $55,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $55,449/year (≈ $26.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $59,367 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the UX designer salary in South Milwaukee is projected to be $55,449 annually, reflecting the ongoing recovery of the local job market after significant layoffs in the tech sector during 2023. This compensation sits well below the national median of $83,320, with salaries ranging from a low of $32,160 at the 10th percentile to a high of $85,946 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local context for UX designer pay in South Milwaukee. As the market stabilizes, opportunities for UX designers within the area remain limited but encouraging, particularly for those developing specialized skill sets.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,160 | $15.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,923 | $19.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,449 | $26.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,975 | $34.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,946 | $41.32 |
Median Salary Position
33.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,786 (2026 est.). At $55,449, the local median is 33.45% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee UX Designer Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $55,449/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $58,368 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -33.45% less |
UX Designers in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $55,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.45% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $58,368.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $55,449 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,367 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$39,875
2025 BLS Actual
$51,909
2026 Current Est.
$55,449
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in South Milwaukee (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,875 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,184 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,231 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $39,875 (2021) to $51,909 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,356 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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) | $32,160 – $39,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,923 – $55,449 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,449 – $70,975 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,975 – $85,946 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in South Milwaukee
Looking at the job scene in South Milwaukee, only six UX designers are currently employed, indicating a competitive and somewhat constrained market. The cost-of-living index for South Milwaukee stands at 93.4, suggesting that take-home purchasing power might be better than in many higher-cost areas, yet salaries remain relatively low compared to the national average. Major employers that could potentially offer higher pay include those in the tech sector, specifically major corporations like those in the FAANG group, while boutique agencies and in-house design teams at non-tech companies may provide diverse project experiences at varying pay scales. Factors influencing salary ranges include the type of employer, specific design specialties, and the strength of one's portfolio. To maximize earning potential in this market, designers should focus on building a portfolio that includes work on high-traffic applications while considering roles that may provide stock options or more comprehensive benefits, particularly in tech-driven environments.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
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 $51,909 for ux designersin the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee 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