Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Topeka, KS: $33,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,264 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,594 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,351) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, new graduate UX designers can anticipate a starting salary that reflects the region's economic landscape. The entry-level salaries for this position begin at around $33,264, which is significantly below the city's median of $57,351. Early-career professionals can expect a gradual growth trajectory in their earnings, moving from this base salary toward the 25th percentile of $41,427 within the first few years. This upward movement in pay reflects the potential for growth in skills and responsibilities. Given the local market conditions, Topeka presents a reasonable opportunity for new graduates seeking their initial roles in UX design, albeit with salaries that may not compete with larger tech hubs.
About the Topeka Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($65,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level ux designers in Topeka, KS typically start between $33,264 and $41,427 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,629 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,351 — 31.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Kansas of $42,000 represents just 126.26% of the starting ux designer pay ($33,264/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $33,264 to $41,427, 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 Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $55,629 ( 167.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,264, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,893.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,334
2025 BLS Actual
$31,140
2026 Current Est.
$33,264
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Topeka (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,532 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,334 in 2021 to $31,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,532. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
When considering the job market for entry-level designers, it's vital to identify which employers in Topeka are open to hiring new graduates. Local tech companies, along with various digital agencies, often look for fresh talent willing to grow. Employers may consider candidates with a relevant Bachelor's degree or those who can present a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of projects, especially work using Figma, the industry-standard design tool. Continuing education, whether pursued through courses or gaining expertise in specific platforms, can help boost starting pay in Kansas. As entry-level designers, the first few years may see varying salary increases, but realistic expectations should align with the industry’s current bifurcation: those in startup environments or agencies might find themselves with a broader scope of work, while positions at more established tech firms may come with higher initial compensation but narrower responsibilities.
More salary data for Topeka, 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 Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Topeka 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