UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$94,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$91,262 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$80,531 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $94,000 | $128,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,380 | $98,560▲ | -$26,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,320 | $163,840▲ | -$43,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,400 | $204,800▲ | -$54,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $91,262▲ | $79,012 | +$12,250 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $82,947 | $118,272▲ | -$35,325 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $80,531▲ | $73,007 | +$7,524 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $34,000 more (median: $94,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($91,262 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.