Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,570 | $61,601▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.20 | $29.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,020 | $30,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,848 | $39,121▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,830 | $83,480▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,314 | $116,920▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $5,031 (8.89%). Tulsa's median is -26.07% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $66,294,Tulsa spans $86,884. Tulsa 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, Tulsa ($69,049 effective) pays 10.35% more than Oklahoma City ($62,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,601/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,920)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,049)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Oklahoma City grew -8.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$57,980 (2021) → $52,958 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$48,260 (2021) → $57,668 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Tulsa as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Oklahoma City vs Tulsa?
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