UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$128,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,012 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$73,007 vs $62,855
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000▲ | $116,000 | +$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560▲ | $89,320 | +$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840▲ | $148,480 | +$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800▲ | $185,600 | +$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,012▲ | $71,605 | +$7,407 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $118,272▲ | $101,825 | +$16,447 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,007▲ | $62,855 | +$10,152 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 33,600 | +12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $12,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($79,012 vs $71,605 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.