UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$113,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$65,318 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$54,741 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $113,000▲ | $105,000 | +$8,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,010▲ | $80,850 | +$6,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,640▲ | $134,400 | +$10,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,800▲ | $168,000 | +$12,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $65,318 | $84,677▲ | -$19,359 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,702 | $97,020▲ | -$2,318 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $54,741 | $78,242▲ | -$23,501 |
| Total Employment | 38,400 | 30,400 | +8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $8,000 more (median: $113,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($65,318 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.