Boulder vs Fort Collins: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Boulder, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,081▲ | $74,612 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.89▲ | $35.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,768▲ | $31,702 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,697▲ | $58,316 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,123▲ | $80,580 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,817▲ | $100,104 |
| Total Employed | 360 | N/A |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Boulder and Fort Collins is $37,469 (50.22%). Boulder's median is +34.52% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $107,049,Fort Collins spans $68,402. Boulder 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, Boulder ($106,539 effective) pays 44.40% more than Fort Collins ($73,780 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,817)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,539)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Boulder grew 31.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$80,110 (2021) → $104,925 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$62,660 (2021) → $69,848 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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