UX Designer Hourly Pay in Gladstone, MO: $25.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Gladstone, MO runs $25.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Gladstone's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,115 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Gladstone, Missouri offers a median hourly pay for UX designers at $25.73, significantly below the national average of $40.06. This disparity highlights the unique market conditions in the region, where part-time and per-diem workers might find their earnings limited. For instance, a UX designer working just three days a week could expect to earn approximately $24,928 annually, making per-diem opportunities in more lucrative markets appealing. The hourly rate ranges from $14.92 for entry-level positions to $39.88 for seasoned professionals, illustrating the income potential across various experience levels. Many designers in Gladstone operate in creative settings like tech company design studios, agency floors, or remote Figma collaborations. Freelancers and independent contractors can especially benefit from the flexibility of working from home or into shared coworking environments, adding to the allure of a career in UX design while navigating the local market.
About the Gladstone Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($88,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.92 | $119.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.61 | $148.86 |
| Median (P50) | $25.73 | $205.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.93 | $263.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.88 | $319.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gladstone
Based on $25.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.73/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gladstone, MO can expect to earn approximately $53,525 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,880. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gladstone.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gladstone
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,029.32 | $4,460 | $53,525 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.59 | $2,676 | $32,115 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.73 | $1,784 | $21,410 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Gladstone) | $25.73 |
| Graphic Designer (National Avg) | $29.14 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.07 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $55.79 |
UX Designers in Gladstone, MO earn a median of $53,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.77% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 4.40% below the Missouri state average of $55,977.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.73/hr = $32,115/year (purchasing power: $35,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,525/year (purchasing power: $59,737).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.73/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Gladstone (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Gladstone grew 30.2% from $18.51/hr (2021) to $24.09/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.49/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ux designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gladstone 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.
Working as an Hourly UX Designer in Gladstone
Considering the various employment scenarios available to UX designers, part-time professionals could earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts unless they secure higher hourly rates through per-diem work. While the median earnings might seem modest, freelance and agency positions can afford substantial opportunities—per-diem UX designers in Gladstone can command between $75 and $150 per hour, while top-tier senior consultants may bill upwards of $250 per hour. Additionally, the choice of employer adds another layer of variability in compensation. Those engaged with major tech companies tend to enjoy more substantial pay, benefiting from equity options and comprehensive benefits packages, while designers in startups or smaller agencies may trade off salary for broader work experience and project diversity. As negotiations unfold, it is crucial for local designers to articulate their value clearly; knowing the competitive landscape, leveraging relevant skills like Figma mastery, and emphasizing flexibility can empower negotiations—even in a market where the hourly rates remain lower than national counterparts.
More salary data for Gladstone, MO:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ux designers in Gladstone. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gladstone 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