UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$83,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$92,222 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$82,598 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $128,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $98,560▲ | -$34,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $163,840▲ | -$57,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $204,800▲ | -$72,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $92,222▲ | $79,012 | +$13,210 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,338 | $118,272▲ | -$43,934 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $82,598▲ | $73,007 | +$9,591 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $45,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($92,222 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.