Houston vs San Antonio: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Houston, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,512 | $80,884▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.27 | $38.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,111 | $47,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,633▲ | $60,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,158 | $111,937▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,751▲ | $132,446 |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Houston and San Antonio are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and San Antonio is $3,372 (4.35%). San Antonio's median is -2.92% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $88,640,San Antonio spans $84,938. Houston 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, San Antonio ($85,396 effective) pays 8.66% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,751)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,884/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,396)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Houston grew -5.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Houston, TX
$76,520 (2021) → $72,563 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$65,160 (2021) → $75,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Houston or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Antonio as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Houston vs San Antonio?
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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