Ithaca vs Rochester: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,793▲ | $73,337 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.46▲ | $35.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,380 | $45,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,557 | $55,048▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,740▲ | $102,483 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,884▲ | $132,286 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Ithaca, NY offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $27,456 (37.44%). Ithaca's median is +20.97% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $128,504,Rochester spans $87,229. Ithaca 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, Ithaca ($97,557 effective) pays 29.08% more than Rochester ($75,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,793/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,884)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,557)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Ithaca grew 11.6% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -20.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$84,530 (2023) → $94,358 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$85,980 (2021) → $68,655 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Ithaca or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ithaca and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Ithaca to Rochester as a ux designer?
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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