UX Designer vs Data Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
UX Designer
Design intuitive user experiences through research and prototyping.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
UX Designer earns more on average — the national median is $15,060/year (17%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Designer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Designer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,252 | $129,659 | UX +$21,593 |
| New York, NY | $122,423 | $108,724 | UX +$13,699 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,553 | $102,930 | UX +$47,623 |
| Austin, TX | $117,269 | $101,065 | UX +$16,204 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,927 | $92,625 | UX +$20,302 |
| Boston, MA | $131,883 | $113,607 | UX +$18,276 |
| London, UK | £82,676 | £71,596 | UX +$11,080 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,578 | CA$116,846 | UX +$20,732 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Designer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A UX Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $15,060 (17%).
Which has better career growth — UX Designer or Data Analyst?+
UX Designer roles are growing at 20% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Designer to Data Analyst?+
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 — UX Designer or Data Analyst?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.