Denver vs Boulder: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Denver, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,778 | $112,081▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.87 | $53.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,309 | $60,768▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,205 | $83,697▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,664 | $141,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,022 | $167,817▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,120▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Boulder is $33,303 (42.27%). 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 Denver spans $83,713,Boulder spans $107,049. Boulder 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, Boulder ($106,539 effective) pays 43.06% more than Denver ($74,472 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,817)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,539)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Denver grew 19.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Denver, CO
$61,640 (2021) → $73,748 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$80,110 (2021) → $104,925 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Denver or Boulder?
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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