Reston vs Virginia Beach: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Reston, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,065▲ | $54,951 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.32▲ | $26.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,578▲ | $33,577 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,407▲ | $41,788 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,724▲ | $69,572 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,751 | $98,582▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Reston and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Reston and Virginia Beach is $8,114 (14.77%). Reston's median is -24.31% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $61,173,Virginia Beach spans $65,005. Virginia Beach 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, Reston ($61,109 effective) pays 8.92% more than Virginia Beach ($56,106 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,065/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,109)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,582)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Reston grew -14.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Reston, VA
$68,728 (2024) → $59,039 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$60,550 (2021) → $51,443 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Reston or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reston and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Reston to Virginia Beach as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Reston vs Virginia Beach?
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