Hartford vs New Haven: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Hartford, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,392 | $80,163▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.92 | $38.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,652 | $53,878▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,125 | $77,856▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,041 | $80,163▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,803▲ | $86,652 |
| Total Employed | 310 | N/A |
Verdict
Hartford and New Haven are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hartford and New Haven is $13,771 (20.74%). New Haven's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $60,151,New Haven spans $32,774. Hartford 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, New Haven ($76,668 effective) pays 18.65% more than Hartford ($64,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,803)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,163/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,668)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Hartford grew 26.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$49,180 (2021) → $62,153 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$62,670 (2021) → $75,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Hartford or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Hartford to New Haven as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Hartford vs New Haven?
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