Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,612▲ | $61,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.87▲ | $29.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,702 | $35,886▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,316▲ | $46,826 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,580▲ | $79,196 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,104▲ | $95,902 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 4 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs is $12,740 (20.59%). Fort Collins's median is -10.45% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $68,402,Steamboat Springs spans $60,016. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($73,780 effective) pays 25.21% more than Steamboat Springs ($58,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,612/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,104)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,780)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (4 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Fort Collins grew 11.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -52.2% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$62,660 (2021) → $69,848 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$121,290 (2024) → $57,922 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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