UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$113,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$65,318 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$54,741 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $113,000 | $128,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,010 | $98,560▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,640 | $163,840▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,800 | $204,800▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $65,318 | $79,012▲ | -$13,694 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,702 | $118,272▲ | -$23,570 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $54,741 | $73,007▲ | -$18,266 |
| Total Employment | 38,400 | 46,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $113,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($65,318 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.