UX Designer vs IT Manager: 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.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $71,140/year (68%) higher than a UX Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Designer vs IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Designer | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,252 | $260,907 | UX $109,655 |
| New York, NY | $122,423 | $206,737 | UX $84,314 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,553 | $253,469 | UX $102,916 |
| Austin, TX | $117,269 | $194,345 | UX $77,076 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,927 | $186,335 | UX $73,408 |
| Boston, MA | $131,883 | $234,529 | UX $102,646 |
| London, UK | £82,676 | £138,371 | UX $55,695 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,578 | CA$227,074 | UX $89,496 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Designer or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $71,140 (68%).
Which has better career growth — UX Designer or IT Manager?+
UX Designer roles are growing at 20% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. UX Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Designer to IT Manager?+
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 IT Manager?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.