Senior UX Designer Salary in Burlington, IA: $84,075 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,075/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,003 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the compensation for seasoned UX designers reflects a lucrative trajectory for those who have honed their skills over seven or more years. With a median annual salary of $54,242, experienced professionals find themselves positioned well within the local market. However, top earners in the 90th percentile can command an impressive $84,075, suggesting that there is significant potential for advancement and specialized skill development. This income gap illustrates the experience premium in this field, where advancing to a senior UX designer role often requires a blend of technical proficiency and strategic project leadership. Navigating the right opportunities, especially within specialized areas, can enhance earning potential substantially, making Burlington a noteworthy location for experienced UX professionals.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $69,430 and $84,075 per year (2026 est.). This $52,614 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $54,242 sits 34.9% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $54,242 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,430 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,075 | $161,472 |
In Burlington, experienced ux designers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top UX Designer Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $54,242 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,430–$84,075 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ux designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ux designers in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
UX Designers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
UX Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #14 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $84,075).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Burlington ($84,075) is 11.59% below the Iowa average P90 ($95,098).
2021 BLS Actual
$65,684
2025 BLS Actual
$78,707
2026 Current Est.
$84,075
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $65,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,075 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,809 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $65,684 in 2021 to $78,707 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $89,809 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your UX Designer Earnings in Burlington
In this mid-sized city, several specializations command premium pay for senior UX designers. Experts in UX research, interaction design, and design systems are particularly sought after, with companies recognizing the value of strong user-centric strategies and comprehensive design frameworks. Compensation may vary significantly depending on the employer type, with tech giants offering compensation packages that often include stock options and equity, while renowned digital product agencies and in-house teams at non-tech companies provide opportunities for broader project engagement. Advancement paths remain dynamic, allowing career moves from designer to design manager or even product manager, depending on individual aspirations. Additionally, holding advanced credentials, such as a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction from esteemed institutions, or showcasing a robust portfolio of impactful work can lead to higher salaries. Notably, companies that prioritize advanced skills in tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite tend to offer more competitive compensation, further incentivizing experienced designers to develop and diversify their skill sets as they contribute to Burlington's evolving UX landscape.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Burlington?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $78,707 for ux designers in the Burlington metro area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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