Trenton vs Union City: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,125 | $70,998▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.71 | $34.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,690▲ | $41,179 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,029▲ | $51,502 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,026▲ | $90,877 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,267▲ | $110,047 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Trenton and Union City are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $873 (1.24%). Union City's median is -14.79% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $101,577,Union City spans $68,868. Trenton 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, Trenton ($67,964 effective) pays 10.28% more than Union City ($61,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,267)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,964)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,998/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Trenton grew -17.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -39.6% growth in Union City over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$79,890 (2021) → $65,648 (2025)
Union City, NJ
$110,093 (2024) → $66,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Union City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Trenton or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union City as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Trenton vs Union City?
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