Albuquerque vs Carlsbad: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Carlsbad, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Carlsbad, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,611 | $55,932▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.41 | $26.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,803 | $32,440▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,454 | $40,271▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,796 | $71,593▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,271▲ | $86,695 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Albuquerque and Carlsbad are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Carlsbad is $9,321 (20.00%). Carlsbad's median is -32.87% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $75,468,Carlsbad spans $54,255. Albuquerque 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, Carlsbad ($59,250 effective) pays 21.45% more than Albuquerque ($48,784 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,271)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,932/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,250)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Albuquerque grew -11.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -20.5% growth in Carlsbad over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$49,080 (2021) → $43,635 (2025)
Carlsbad, NM
$65,876 (2024) → $52,361 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Albuquerque or Carlsbad?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Carlsbad?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Carlsbad as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Albuquerque vs Carlsbad?
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