Berkeley vs Los Angeles: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Berkeley, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berkeley, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,427 | $85,363▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.59 | $41.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,967▲ | $46,547 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,788 | $63,155▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,067 | $134,994▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,862 | $161,288▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 9,220▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Berkeley.
The salary gap between Berkeley and Los Angeles is $936 (1.11%). Los Angeles's median is +2.45% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berkeley spans $81,895,Los Angeles spans $114,741. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($75,166 effective) pays 0.69% more than Berkeley ($74,648 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berkeley if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,363/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,288)
- ✓Larger job market (9,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,166)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Berkeley grew -51.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.8% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Berkeley, CA
$162,224 (2024) → $79,037 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$87,630 (2021) → $79,913 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Berkeley or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Berkeley and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Berkeley to Los Angeles as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Berkeley vs Los Angeles?
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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