UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$71,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$85,542 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$79,041 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $105,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $80,850▲ | -$26,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $134,400▲ | -$43,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $168,000▲ | -$54,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,542▲ | $84,677 | +$865 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604 | $97,020▲ | -$31,416 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,041▲ | $78,242 | +$799 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 30,400 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $34,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($85,542 vs $84,677 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.