Senior UX Designer Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $79,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,201/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,417 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the upper echelons of UX design compensation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is a realistic prospect for seasoned professionals with at least seven years of experience. In 2026, top earners can expect to pull in around $79,201, with a strong majority falling in the $65,405 range. This growth reflects a substantial gap between the median annual salary of $51,097 and the potential for higher earnings driven by experience, specialized skills, and successful project outcomes. To rise to the peak of this income bracket, experienced UX designers must showcase a robust portfolio, often including well-trafficked applications, and possess skills in advanced tools like Figma. Additionally, a strong emphasis on collaboration and leadership can help these professionals not only excel in their current roles but also position themselves for lucrative opportunities that align with their expertise in Hattiesburg’s evolving design market.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($61,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $65,405 and $79,201 per year (2026 est.). This $49,565 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $51,097 sits 38.67% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $51,097 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,405 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,201 | $161,472 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced ux designers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top UX Designer Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $51,097 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,405–$79,201 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ux designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ux designers in Hattiesburg with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
UX Designers in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
UX Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Hattiesburg
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #11 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $79,201).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Hattiesburg ($79,201) is 3.26% below the Mississippi average P90 ($81,871).
2021 BLS Actual
$61,876
2025 BLS Actual
$74,144
2026 Current Est.
$79,201
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Hattiesburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $61,876 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,144 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,602 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $61,876 in 2021 to $74,144 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $84,602 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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.
Maximizing Your UX Designer Earnings in Hattiesburg
Compensation for senior UX designers in Hattiesburg can vary significantly based on specialization and the type of employer. Areas such as UX research, interaction design, and accessibility have become especially lucrative, attracting seasoned professionals looking to maximize their potential. Different types of employers affect compensation as well: tech giants offer higher salaries and equity options, while digital product agencies may provide a creative variety but typically lower pay. Advancement pathways in UX design generally branch into two distinct tracks: the individual contributor path leading from designer to principal designer, and the management track from designer to design director or VP. Additionally, possessing advanced credentials or specialized skills can drive up compensations, making it essential for professionals to continually refine their skills and adapt to new design trends. While start-up environments can offer exciting challenges and opportunities for growth, established companies dominate in the total compensation packages, allowing experienced practitioners in Hattiesburg to strategically navigate their career trajectories.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $74,144 for ux designers in the Hattiesburg metro area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hattiesburg 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