UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$116,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$71,605 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$62,855 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $116,000 | $128,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,320 | $98,560▲ | -$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,480 | $163,840▲ | -$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $185,600 | $204,800▲ | -$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $71,605 | $79,012▲ | -$7,407 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $101,825 | $118,272▲ | -$16,447 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $62,855 | $73,007▲ | -$10,152 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 46,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $12,000 more (median: $116,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($71,605 vs $79,012 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.