Colorado Springs vs Thornton: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,181▲ | $66,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.78▲ | $32.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,545▲ | $38,654 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,090▲ | $47,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,272▲ | $85,304 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,680▲ | $103,298 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Thornton is $1,537 (2.31%). Colorado Springs's median is -18.17% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $66,135,Thornton spans $64,644. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($64,934 effective) pays 2.31% more than Thornton ($63,470 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,181/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,680)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,934)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 4.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -52.2% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$61,320 (2021) → $63,828 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$130,644 (2024) → $62,389 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Colorado Springs or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Thornton as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Colorado Springs vs Thornton?
Related Comparisons
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