UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$84,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$92,308 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$81,889 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $128,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $98,560▲ | -$33,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $163,840▲ | -$56,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $204,800▲ | -$70,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $92,308▲ | $79,012 | +$13,296 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,519 | $118,272▲ | -$43,753 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $81,889▲ | $73,007 | +$8,882 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 46,400 | -33,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $44,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($92,308 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.