Arlington vs Houston: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,755▲ | $77,512 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.31▲ | $37.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,417▲ | $44,111 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,863 | $61,633▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,646▲ | $104,158 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,719 | $132,751▲ |
| Total Employed | 83 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Arlington and Houston are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $4,243 (5.47%). Arlington's median is -1.88% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $79,302,Houston spans $88,640. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington ($85,161 effective) pays 8.36% more than Houston ($78,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,755/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,161)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,751)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Arlington grew -23.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.2% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$100,542 (2024) → $76,535 (2025)
Houston, TX
$76,520 (2021) → $72,563 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov