UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$86,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$85,149 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$74,153 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $86,000 | $105,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,220 | $80,850▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,080 | $134,400▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,600 | $168,000▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,149▲ | $84,677 | +$472 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,895 | $97,020▲ | -$22,125 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $74,153 | $78,242▲ | -$4,089 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 30,400 | -19,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $19,000 more (median: $86,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($85,149 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.