Atlantic City vs Trenton: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,976 | $70,125▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.31 | $33.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,939 | $45,690▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,642 | $53,029▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,847 | $96,026▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,623 | $147,267▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Trenton is $9,149 (15.00%). Trenton's median is -15.84% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $69,684,Trenton spans $101,577. Trenton 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, Trenton ($67,964 effective) pays 10.19% more than Atlantic City ($61,681 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,125/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,267)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,964)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Atlantic City grew -1.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -17.8% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$57,750 (2022) → $57,083 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$79,890 (2021) → $65,648 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Atlantic City or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Trenton as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Atlantic City vs Trenton?
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