Burlington vs Durham: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Burlington, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,211 | $106,825▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.39 | $51.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,663 | $50,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,512 | $74,964▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,910 | $127,623▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,976 | $138,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Durham is $43,614 (69.00%). Durham's median is +28.21% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $61,313,Durham spans $87,998. Durham 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, Durham ($109,483 effective) pays 62.12% more than Burlington ($67,533 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,825/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,134)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,483)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Burlington grew 5.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Durham over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$56,180 (2021) → $59,175 (2025)
Durham, NC
$98,680 (2021) → $100,005 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Burlington or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Durham?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Durham as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Burlington vs Durham?
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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