Senior UX Designer Salary in Franklin, WI: $86,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Franklin, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,970/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,116 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
For experienced UX designers in Franklin, Wisconsin, the salary landscape showcases significant earning potential, particularly for those at the top of their field. In 2026, the highest earners are projected to make as much as $86,970 annually, with the 75th percentile earning $71,820. This stark contrast to the median annual salary of $56,109 demonstrates the experience premium available in this market, where creativity and refined skills can dramatically impact compensation. To reach such top-tier pay, seasoned professionals must not only master core design principles but also specialize in sought-after areas such as product design or user experience research, as well as maintain strong portfolios that highlight impactful work.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $71,820 and $86,970 per year (2026 est.). This $54,426 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $56,109 sits 32.66% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $56,109 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,820 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,970 | $161,472 |
In Franklin, 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 Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $56,109 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,820–$86,970 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Wisconsin 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 Franklin
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #27 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $86,970).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Franklin ($86,970) is 16.54% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($104,200).
2021 BLS Actual
$67,945
2025 BLS Actual
$81,417
2026 Current Est.
$86,970
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Franklin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $67,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,294 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,901 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $67,945 in 2021 to $81,417 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 $92,901 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In analyzing senior UX designer pay across Franklin, it's evident that specialization greatly affects potential earnings. Professionals who excel in areas like UX research, interaction design, or accessibility can command higher salaries compared to their peers. There is also a notable difference in compensation based on employer type; senior positions at tech giants like FAANG or established software companies often come with stock options and lucrative total compensation packages. Meanwhile, those in design agencies or freelance roles may enjoy diverse project exposure at the expense of some salary height. Career advancement paths are diverse as well; moving from a senior designer to a principal designer or design director can unlock significantly higher pay. Pursuing advanced credentials, such as a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction, can further enhance earning potential, particularly in light of the industry's competitive nature and the ongoing shifts in the job market following layoffs in recent years. The senior UX designer salary in Franklin reflects a blend of skill, specialization, and market positioning essential for achieving the highest levels of compensation in this field.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Franklin?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Franklin?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Franklin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $81,417 for ux designers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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