UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Seattle, WA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$128,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$79,012 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$73,007 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000▲ | $105,000 | +$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560▲ | $80,850 | +$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840▲ | $134,400 | +$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800▲ | $168,000 | +$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,012 | $84,677▲ | -$5,665 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $118,272▲ | $97,020 | +$21,252 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,007 | $78,242▲ | -$5,235 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 30,400 | +16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($79,012 vs $84,677 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.