UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$128,000 vs $101,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,012 vs $78,906
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$73,007 vs $69,702
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000▲ | $101,000 | +$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560▲ | $77,770 | +$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840▲ | $129,280 | +$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800▲ | $161,600 | +$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +34 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,012▲ | $78,906 | +$106 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $118,272▲ | $89,218 | +$29,054 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,007▲ | $69,702 | +$3,305 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 22,400 | +24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $27,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $101,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 128), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($79,012 vs $78,906 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.