UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$105,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Portland, OR
$80,769 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$68,101 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $128,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,850 | $98,560▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,400 | $163,840▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,000 | $204,800▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 162 | -32 |
| State Income Tax | 8.75% | 0%▲ | +8.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $80,769▲ | $79,012 | +$1,757 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $88,531 | $118,272▲ | -$29,741 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,101 | $73,007▲ | -$4,906 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 46,400 | -30,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Portland, OR minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 130 vs 162), Portland, OR provides better purchasing power ($80,769 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.