Raleigh vs Durham: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,406 | $106,825▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.62 | $51.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,156 | $50,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,186 | $74,964▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,500 | $127,623▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,740 | $138,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 510 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Durham is $24,419 (29.63%). Durham's median is +28.21% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $89,584,Durham spans $87,998. Raleigh 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, Durham ($109,483 effective) pays 30.41% more than Raleigh ($83,953 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,825/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,134)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,483)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Raleigh grew 21.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Durham over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$63,260 (2021) → $77,145 (2025)
Durham, NC
$98,680 (2021) → $100,005 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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