Software Engineer vs UX Designer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
UX Designer
Design intuitive user experiences through research and prototyping.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $31,980/year (31%) higher than a UX Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs UX Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | UX Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $151,252 | Software +$43,698 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $122,423 | Software +$44,407 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $150,553 | Software +$38,915 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $117,269 | Software +$31,565 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $112,927 | Software +$37,039 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $131,883 | Software +$44,659 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £82,676 | Software $8,734 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$137,578 | Software $11,426 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or UX Designer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $104,000/year for a UX Designer — a difference of $31,980 (31%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or UX Designer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while UX Designer demand is growing at 20% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to UX Designer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or UX Designer?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.