UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Detroit, MI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Detroit, MI and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$81,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$91,011 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$80,520 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $81,000 | $105,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,370 | $80,850▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,680 | $134,400▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $129,600 | $168,000▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 124 | -35 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $91,011▲ | $84,677 | +$6,334 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,663 | $97,020▲ | -$25,357 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $80,520▲ | $78,242 | +$2,278 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 30,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $24,000 more (median: $81,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 124), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($91,011 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.