UX Designer vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
UX Designer earns more on average — the national median is $4,870/year (5%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Designer vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Designer | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,252 | $146,173 | UX +$5,079 |
| New York, NY | $122,423 | $120,157 | UX +$2,266 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,553 | $143,912 | UX +$6,641 |
| Austin, TX | $117,269 | $108,712 | UX +$8,557 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,927 | $104,809 | UX +$8,118 |
| Boston, MA | $131,883 | $127,175 | UX +$4,708 |
| London, UK | £82,676 | £76,827 | UX +$5,849 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,578 | CA$130,867 | UX +$6,711 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Designer or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A UX Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $4,870 (5%).
Which has better career growth — UX Designer or Systems Administrator?+
UX Designer roles are growing at 20% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. UX Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Designer to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
UX Designer has a lower AI automation risk (38% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.