UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$92,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$89,320 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$80,469 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $105,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $80,850▲ | -$10,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $134,400▲ | -$16,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $168,000▲ | -$20,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $89,320▲ | $84,677 | +$4,643 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $82,883 | $97,020▲ | -$14,137 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $80,469▲ | $78,242 | +$2,227 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 30,400 | -10,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $13,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($89,320 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.