Ann Arbor vs Traverse City: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,601 | $51,381▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.92 | $24.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,824 | $29,802▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,661 | $36,995▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,196▲ | $65,768 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,350▲ | $79,642 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor and Traverse City are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Traverse City is $5,780 (12.68%). Traverse City's median is -38.33% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $59,526,Traverse City spans $49,840. Ann Arbor 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, Traverse City ($55,130 effective) pays 21.96% more than Ann Arbor ($45,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,350)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,381/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,130)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Ann Arbor grew -31.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -32.3% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$62,240 (2021) → $42,690 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$71,089 (2024) → $48,101 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Ann Arbor or Traverse City?
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Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Traverse City as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Ann Arbor vs Traverse City?
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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