UX Designer vs IT Support Specialist: 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
UX Designer earns more on average — the national median is $42,140/year (68%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Designer vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Designer | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,252 | $92,808 | UX +$58,444 |
| New York, NY | $122,423 | $72,917 | UX +$49,506 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,553 | $86,967 | UX +$63,586 |
| Austin, TX | $117,269 | $69,244 | UX +$48,025 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,927 | $64,877 | UX +$48,050 |
| Boston, MA | $131,883 | $79,215 | UX +$52,668 |
| London, UK | £82,676 | £47,998 | UX +$34,678 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,578 | CA$84,196 | UX +$53,382 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Designer or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A UX Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $42,140 (68%).
Which has better career growth — UX Designer or IT Support Specialist?+
UX Designer roles are growing at 20% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. UX Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Designer to IT Support Specialist?+
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 Support Specialist?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.