UX Designer Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $27.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Independence, MO runs $27.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,288 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for a UX designer in 2026 is $27.47, a significant discrepancy when compared to the national average of $40.06. This rate translates into a practical framework for both part-time workers, who may typically engage in three-day workweeks, and per-diem professionals operating in varied environments—from agency creative hubs to remote setups using Figma for team collaboration. For those just starting their careers, hourly rates may dip to as low as $15.94, while experienced designers can see earnings climb up to $42.58. The structure of these figures reflects broader industry trends based on annual salary estimates, highlighting the economic dynamics at play within the local market.
About the Independence 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) | $15.94 | $127.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.78 | $158.26 |
| Median (P50) | $27.47 | $219.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.17 | $281.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.58 | $340.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $27.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.47/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $57,146 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,969. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,098.96 | $4,762 | $57,146 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.38 | $2,857 | $34,288 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.59 | $1,905 | $22,858 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Independence) | $27.47 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $57,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.42% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $55,966.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.47/hr = $34,288/year (purchasing power: $38,268).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,146/year (purchasing power: $63,779).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$19.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.47/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Independence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Independence grew 30.2% from $19.76/hr (2021) to $25.72/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.35/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 Independence 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 Independence
Exploring the earning potential for part-time UX designers, a professional working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would generate a considerably lower income annually compared to full-time peers. Per-diem or contract UX designers frequently command billing rates between $75 and $150 per hour, with seasoned product designers earning $125 to $250, positioning themselves as lucrative options for firms in need of specialized skills. In Independence, variations in hourly rates are heavily influenced by the type of employer. Tech giants might pay higher rates for top talent, while boutique agencies might offer lower compensation but a diverse range of projects. Designers often must weigh the benefits of health insurance against potential higher pay rates that come without benefits. When negotiating, it's critical for hourly workers to emphasize their unique skills and adaptability, especially in the current climate where job security in tech and design has seen fluctuations in the aftermath of layoffs in 2023-2024.
More salary data for Independence, 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 Independence. 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 Independence 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