UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$94,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$87,037 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$76,007 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $94,000 | $105,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,380 | $80,850▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,320 | $134,400▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,400 | $168,000▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $87,037▲ | $84,677 | +$2,360 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $82,088 | $97,020▲ | -$14,932 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $76,007 | $78,242▲ | -$2,235 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 30,400 | -6,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $11,000 more (median: $94,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($87,037 vs $84,677 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.