Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX

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

Seattle, WA
$157,975
/ year
+22%
difference
Austin, TX
$129,914
/ year
Bottom line: Austin offers better purchasing power despite Seattle paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Seattle
Austin
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$157,975✓ higher
$129,914
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$102,162✓ higher
$84,015
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$244,280✓ higher
$200,889
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$106,057✓ higher
$89,123
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$111,250
$115,995✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$102,162✓ higher
$84,015
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$244,280✓ higher
$200,889

What if you move from Seattle to Austin?

Gross salary change
$28,061
22% decrease
Take-home change
$16,934
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,745
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

Seattle, WA$157,975
P10: $102,162Median: $157,975P90: $244,280
Austin, TX$129,914
P10: $84,015Median: $129,914P90: $200,889

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Seattle or Austin?

The median UX Researcher salary in Seattle, WA is $157,975/yr compared to $129,914/yr in Austin, TX. Seattle pays 22% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in Seattle or Austin after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $111,250/yr in a median-cost city, vs $115,995/yr for Austin. Austin offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a UX Researcher in Seattle vs Austin?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $106,057/yr, vs $89,123/yr in Austin, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.