Houston vs Arlington: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Houston, TX and Arlington, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Arlington, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,512 | $81,755▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.27 | $39.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,111 | $47,417▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,633▲ | $58,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,158 | $104,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,751▲ | $126,719 |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 83 |
Verdict
Houston and Arlington are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and Arlington is $4,243 (5.47%). Arlington's median is -1.88% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $88,640,Arlington spans $79,302. Houston 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, Arlington ($85,161 effective) pays 8.36% more than Houston ($78,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,751)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,755/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,161)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Houston grew -5.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -23.9% growth in Arlington over the same period.
Houston, TX
$76,520 (2021) → $72,563 (2025)
Arlington, TX
$100,542 (2024) → $76,535 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Arlington, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Houston or Arlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Arlington?
Should I relocate from Houston to Arlington as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Houston vs Arlington?
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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