Technology Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

UX Designer Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median ux designer salary in Columbia, MO is $73,040 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$73,040
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,960
Cost of Living
88%

UX Designer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median ux designer salary of $73,040, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $73,040. Compared to the national median of $83,000, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,040 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for ux designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ux designers in Columbia spans from $44,176 at the 10th percentile to $118,976 at the 90th percentile — a $74,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,400, while senior ux designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

UX Designer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level ux designer earns around $48,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $44,176
25th Percentile $57,552
Median (50th) $73,040
75th Percentile $95,040
90th Percentile $118,976

UX Designer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$76,360
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$74,700
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$70,550
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$68,060
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a UX Designer in Columbia

Education

Most ux designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FigmaUser ResearchPrototypingInformation ArchitectureAccessibilityDesign Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, ux designer employment is projected to grow 16% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find UX Designer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open ux designer positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: UX Designer Salary in Columbia

How much does a UX Designer make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median ux designer salary in Columbia, Missouri is $73,040 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,000. Salaries range from $44,176 (10th percentile) to $118,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a UX Designer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,040, a ux designer in Columbia earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for ux designer pay? ▼
Columbia's median ux designer salary of $73,040 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $73,040. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a ux designer salary of $73,040 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ux designer in Columbia? ▼
Most ux designer positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Figma, User Research, Prototyping, Information Architecture. The job market is projected to grow 16% nationally over the next decade.