Jersey City vs Paterson: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,128▲ | $71,937 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.69▲ | $34.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,335▲ | $41,724 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,932▲ | $51,795 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,325▲ | $92,079 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,549▲ | $111,502 |
| Total Employed | 42▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paterson.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Paterson is $25,191 (35.02%). Jersey City's median is +16.57% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $94,214,Paterson spans $69,778. Jersey City 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, Jersey City ($84,313 effective) pays 35.02% more than Paterson ($62,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,128/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,549)
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,313)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Jersey City grew -22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -39.6% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$116,951 (2024) → $90,927 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$111,550 (2024) → $67,344 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Jersey City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Paterson as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Jersey City vs Paterson?
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