Birmingham vs Decatur: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Decatur, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,174 | $55,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.16 | $26.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,041▲ | $31,918 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,041 | $39,622▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,078▲ | $70,439 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,556▲ | $85,297 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Decatur are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Decatur is $6,856 (14.23%). Decatur's median is -33.95% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $69,515,Decatur spans $53,379. Birmingham 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, Decatur ($62,605 effective) pays 19.10% more than Birmingham ($52,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,556)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,030/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,605)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Birmingham grew -19.8% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -14.3% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$56,240 (2023) → $45,098 (2025)
Decatur, AL
$60,146 (2024) → $51,517 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Decatur, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Birmingham or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Decatur as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Birmingham vs Decatur?
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