Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $32,220 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Leavenworth, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,220 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leavenworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,446 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,552) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aiming to start their careers in UX design, Leavenworth offers a foundational salary trajectory that reflects local market dynamics. The entry-level UX designer salary in Leavenworth, KS, begins around $32,220, setting a starting point that is significantly below the overall city median of $55,552. This gap can be daunting, but with experience and skill development, new designers can expect growth over the first few years. Moving from an entry-level position to the 25th percentile at approximately $39,998 and eventually reaching the median salary reveals a potential growth trajectory that is promising in the context of the area’s economy. With an annual growth rate of 6.82%, Leavenworth stands as an attractive option for fresh grads despite starting salaries being considerably lower than the national average of $83,320.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($65,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leavenworth
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 Leavenworth
Entry-level ux designers in Leavenworth, KS typically start between $32,220 and $39,998 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,885 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,552 — 33.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 130.35% of the starting ux designer pay ($32,220/year) in Leavenworth. 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 Leavenworth
- 1Research the Leavenworth market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $32,220 to $39,998, 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 Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth is $53,885 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,220, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,105.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,633
2025 BLS Actual
$30,163
2026 Current Est.
$32,220
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Leavenworth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,187 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,220 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,418 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Leavenworth, KS grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,633 in 2021 to $30,163 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,418. New graduates entering the Leavenworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
In Leavenworth, opportunities for new graduate UX designers can primarily be found with local businesses and agencies that recognize the value of fresh talent. While larger tech firms like FAANG often recruit from prestigious design programs, candidates in this area might find roles at smaller digital agencies, in-house product teams, or through contract platforms that cater to freelancers. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, a strong portfolio is critical, often outweighing formal education credentials. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or Sketch can differentiate a candidate in the hiring process. The career strategy for the first few years can focus on broadening experience across diverse projects, particularly in design systems, given the post-2023 environment where specific skill sets have become more valuable. Realistically, new graduates can anticipate salary growth as they gain expertise, moving towards more competitive pay ranges within their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leavenworth 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