UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Dallas, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$99,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$88,393 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$81,675 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $99,000 | $128,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,230 | $98,560▲ | -$22,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,720 | $163,840▲ | -$37,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $158,400 | $204,800▲ | -$46,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $88,393▲ | $79,012 | +$9,381 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $91,476 | $118,272▲ | -$26,796 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $81,675▲ | $73,007 | +$8,668 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $29,000 more (median: $99,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($88,393 vs $79,012 equivalent). Dallas, 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.