UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$86,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$84,314 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$74,400 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $86,000 | $105,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,220 | $80,850▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,080 | $134,400▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,600 | $168,000▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $84,314 | $84,677▲ | -$363 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,888 | $97,020▲ | -$21,132 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $74,400 | $78,242▲ | -$3,842 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 30,400 | -14,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $19,000 more (median: $86,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($84,314 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.