Salary Comparison

UX Designer Salary:
New York, NY vs Melbourne

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

New York, NY
$162,225
/ year
+33%
difference
Melbourne
$121,588
/ year
Bottom line: New York wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
New York
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$162,225✓ higher
$121,588
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$104,910✓ higher
$78,630
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$250,852✓ higher
$188,014
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$108,622✓ higher
$82,680
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$111,879✓ higher
$97,270
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$104,910
$119,518✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$250,852
$285,781✓ higher

What if you move from New York to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$40,637
33% decrease
Take-home change
$25,942
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$14,609
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

New York, NY$162,225
P10: $104,910Median: $162,225P90: $250,852
Melbourne$121,588
P10: $119,518Median: $121,588P90: $285,781

More UX Designer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Designer earn more in New York or Melbourne?

The median UX Designer salary in New York, NY is $162,225/yr compared to A$184,814/yr in Melbourne. New York pays 33% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Designer salary worth more in New York or Melbourne after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $111,879/yr in a median-cost city, vs $97,270/yr for Melbourne. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a UX Designer in New York vs Melbourne?

After estimated taxes, a UX Designer in New York, NY takes home approximately $108,622/yr, vs $82,680/yr in Melbourne. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.