UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Austin, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$105,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$84,677 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$78,242 vs $62,855
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $116,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850 | $89,320▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400 | $148,480▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000 | $185,600▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 162 | -38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,677▲ | $71,605 | +$13,072 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $97,020 | $101,825▲ | -$4,805 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $78,242▲ | $62,855 | +$15,387 |
| Total Employment | 30,400 | 33,600 | -3,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $11,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 162), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($84,677 vs $71,605 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.