UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$71,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$85,542 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$79,041 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $71,000 | $128,000▲ | -$57,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,670 | $98,560▲ | -$43,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,880 | $163,840▲ | -$72,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,600 | $204,800▲ | -$91,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,542▲ | $79,012 | +$6,530 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $65,604 | $118,272▲ | -$52,668 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,041▲ | $73,007 | +$6,034 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 46,400 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $57,000 more (median: $71,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($85,542 vs $79,012 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.