Jacksonville vs Lakeland: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,936▲ | $64,036 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.59▲ | $30.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,913▲ | $37,141 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,600▲ | $46,107 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,595▲ | $81,966 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,651▲ | $99,256 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Lakeland is $7,900 (12.34%). Jacksonville's median is -13.66% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $89,738,Lakeland spans $62,115. Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville ($72,309 effective) pays 13.82% more than Lakeland ($63,528 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,651)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,309)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Jacksonville grew -11.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$76,310 (2021) → $67,343 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$60,550 (2021) → $59,948 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Jacksonville or Lakeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Lakeland?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Lakeland as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Jacksonville vs Lakeland?
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