Senior UX Designer Salary in Williston, ND: $177,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Williston, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $177,737/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Williston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $193,192 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
Senior-level UX designers in Williston, ND are well-positioned to secure substantial incomes, with a projected median annual salary of $114,669 in 2026. For those reaching the top tiers of the profession, the potential earnings can soar to $177,737, signaling a significant experience premium for highly skilled professionals. Compared to the national median annual salary of $83,320, Williston’s top earners in UX design enjoy a premium of approximately 37.62%. To achieve these high compensation levels, experienced designers must demonstrate exceptional skills in areas such as UX research, interaction design, and product design, along with a robust portfolio and fluency in industry-standard tools like Figma.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($111,450) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Williston earn between $146,776 and $177,737 per year (2026 est.). This $111,229 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williston median of $114,669 sits 37.62% above the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Williston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,669 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,776 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $177,737 | $161,472 |
In Williston, 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 Williston
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $114,669 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williston employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Williston command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,776–$177,737 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williston 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 Williston 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 North Dakota 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 Williston
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliston ranks #7 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $177,737).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Williston ($177,737) is 4.37% below the North Dakota average P90 ($185,851).
2021 BLS Actual
$138,857
2025 BLS Actual
$166,389
2026 Current Est.
$177,737
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Williston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $138,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,189 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,858 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Williston saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $138,857 in 2021 to $166,389 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 $189,858 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
Williston's market offers a range of opportunities for senior UX professionals, with compensation often reflecting specialization and employer type. Areas like UX research, interaction design, and design systems particularly command higher pay, while designers focusing on accessibility and content will find increasing demand as companies strive for inclusivity. Compensation strategies also vary significantly between different types of employers; for instance, tech giants and unicorn startups typically offer more lucrative packages that include RSUs and attractive base salaries, while boutique agencies may provide a broader range of projects but at a lower pay scale. Advancement opportunities are plentiful, with career paths leading from designer roles to positions like design manager or principal designer. Additionally, credentials play a vital role, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality and relevant degrees in HCI or similar fields. Non-salary benefits can also augment overall compensation, with factors like company reputation and the strength of one’s portfolio further enhancing earning potential.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Williston in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Williston?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Williston?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Williston?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Williston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 $166,389 for ux designers in the Williston 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 Williston 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