Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Lawrence, KS: $33,315 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,315 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,650 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,439) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering the entry-level UX designer salary in Lawrence, KS, new graduates can anticipate a starting pay around $33,315 in 2026. This figure sits significantly below the median annual salary of $57,439 for all UX designers in the city, highlighting the typical income gap for entry-level positions. Over the first few years, as designers gain experience, salaries can increase, with the 25th percentile seeing a pay of approximately $42,147, illustrating a pathway towards the median. Given a projected annual growth rate of 6.82%, Lawrence currently presents a favorable environment for new grads seeking positions in this sector, despite initial earnings being lower than the national median of $83,320.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($65,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Entry-level ux designers in Lawrence, KS typically start between $33,315 and $42,147 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,716 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,439 — 31.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 126.07% of the starting ux designer pay ($33,315/year) in Lawrence. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect NASAD-accredited bachelor's programs in graphic design, interaction design, or human-computer interaction. Shorter UX bootcamps ($10k-$20k) are a common alternative entry pathway. SOC 15-1255 (Web and Digital Interface Designers) is the dedicated UX/UI code BLS introduced in 2018 — distinct from 27-1024 (Graphic Designers, $61,300 median) and 15-1254 (Web Developers).
UX Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $33,315 to $42,147, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the user experience design field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
UX Designer Compensation Range
The ux designer wage spread in Lawrence is $55,716 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,315, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,031.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,368
2025 BLS Actual
$31,188
2026 Current Est.
$33,315
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Lawrence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,368 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,973 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,315 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,587 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,368 in 2021 to $31,188 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,587. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Starting Your user experience design Career in Lawrence
In Lawrence, various employers proffer opportunities in the UX design arena, particularly for new graduates. Tech giants often recruit from renowned design programs, establishing internships that can lead to full-time positions. Companies such as Microsoft and Adobe may provide pathways for recent graduates to step into these roles, while digital agencies often evaluate candidates through rigorous portfolio reviews. It's crucial for aspiring UX designers to possess strong portfolios showcasing their work since many employers prioritize practical experience over credentials. Gaining fluency in industry-standard tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is also pivotal in bolstering earning potential. In light of the job shifts post-2023, junior designers could find themselves navigating a variety of project types, particularly within agency settings or as consultants. Salary growth over the initial years can be modest but steady, especially for those honing in on specialized skills like design systems, which are becoming increasingly essential in today’s market.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new user experience design graduates. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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