Nashville vs Johnson City: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Nashville, TN and Johnson City, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Johnson City, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,882▲ | $48,997 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.46▲ | $23.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,379▲ | $28,418 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,882▲ | $35,278 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,882 | $62,716▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,662 | $75,946▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,500▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Nashville and Johnson City is $1,885 (3.85%). Nashville's median is -38.93% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $13,283,Johnson City spans $47,528. Johnson City 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, Johnson City ($53,374 effective) pays 1.06% more than Nashville ($52,816 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,882/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,946)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,374)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Nashville grew -7.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -15.6% growth in Johnson City over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$51,210 (2021) → $47,633 (2025)
Johnson City, TN
$54,368 (2024) → $45,869 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Johnson City, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Nashville or Johnson City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Johnson City?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Johnson City as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Nashville vs Johnson City?
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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