UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$86,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$85,149 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$74,153 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $86,000 | $128,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,220 | $98,560▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,080 | $163,840▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,600 | $204,800▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,149▲ | $79,012 | +$6,137 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,895 | $118,272▲ | -$43,377 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $74,153▲ | $73,007 | +$1,146 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $86,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($85,149 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.