Middletown vs Rochester: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Middletown, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Middletown, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,824▲ | $73,337 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.94▲ | $35.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,558 | $45,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,314▲ | $55,048 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,334 | $102,483▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,077 | $132,286▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Middletown and Rochester are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Middletown and Rochester is $3,487 (4.75%). Middletown's median is -7.80% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $74,519,Rochester spans $87,229. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($75,578 effective) pays 14.02% more than Middletown ($66,285 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,824/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,286)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,578)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Middletown grew -47.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -20.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Middletown, NY
$137,564 (2024) → $71,919 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$85,980 (2021) → $68,655 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Middletown or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Middletown to Rochester as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Middletown vs Rochester?
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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