UX Designer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $57,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Manhattan, KS earns a median $57,120/year (≈ $27.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Manhattan's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $62,838 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an attractive median annual salary of $57,120 in 2026, the ux designer salary in Manhattan, KS, presents a competitive opportunity, especially in light of the significant design layoffs that marked the tech landscape in the preceding years. The local compensation range offers insight into the dynamics of this market, with salaries stretching from $33,129 at the lower end to $88,536 at the higher end. Notably, these figures reflect adjusted estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional cost considerations. The job market showcases a resilient demand for design professionals, creating opportunities for those navigating the aftermath of earlier downturns and positioning themselves for potential growth in this evolving field.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($65,900) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,129 | $15.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,127 | $19.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,120 | $27.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,113 | $35.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,536 | $42.57 |
Median Salary Position
31.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
In Manhattan, KS, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,407 (2026 est.). At $57,120, the local median is 31.45% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manhattan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manhattan UX Designer Pay Compares
Manhattan median: $57,120/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manhattan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $56,779 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -31.45% less |
UX Designers in Manhattan, KS earn a median of $57,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.45% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.60% above the Kansas state average of $56,779.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manhattan has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manhattan, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $57,120 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,838 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$41,077
2025 BLS Actual
$53,473
2026 Current Est.
$57,120
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Manhattan (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $41,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,236 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,015 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manhattan metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $41,077 (2021) to $53,473 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,938 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,129 – $41,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,127 – $57,120 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,120 – $73,113 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,113 – $88,536 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Manhattan
Considering the job market specifics, Manhattan, KS, employs 14 ux designers, highlighting a tight-knit community where professionals engage with a diverse clientele. The cost of living index sits at 90.9, indicating that the local economic landscape is more favorable compared to national averages, directly impacting take-home pay. While tech giants like FAANG companies typically offer the highest salaries—thanks to their robust equity incentives and high demand for design talent—local design agencies and in-house teams also provide valuable roles. Pay discrepancies can arise based on factors such as the employing company's profile, design specialty, and portfolio strength. For those aiming to increase their earnings, focusing on high-visibility projects, enhancing expertise in design systems, and building solid portfolios in trending applications can significantly boost marketability and overall compensation in Manhattan’s design scene.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ux designers make in Manhattan, KS in 2026?
Is Manhattan, KS a good place to work as a ux designer?
Can ux designers make $100K in Manhattan?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted ux designer salary in Manhattan?
How much does a ux designer make per hour in Manhattan?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,473 for ux designersin the Manhattan metropolitan area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manhattan 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