Olympia vs Seattle: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Olympia, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,166 | $107,162▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.62 | $51.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,033▲ | $48,534 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,460▲ | $60,543 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,537 | $138,615▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,811 | $174,490▲ |
| Total Employed | 210 | 10,330▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Seattle is $30,996 (40.70%). Seattle's median is +28.61% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $84,778,Seattle spans $125,956. Seattle 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, Seattle ($96,427 effective) pays 31.25% more than Olympia ($73,470 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,162/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,490)
- ✓Larger job market (10,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,427)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Olympia grew -9.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -33.1% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$78,750 (2021) → $71,303 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$150,040 (2021) → $100,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Olympia or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Seattle as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Olympia vs Seattle?
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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