Waterbury vs West Haven: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Waterbury, CT and West Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Waterbury, CT | West Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,653 | $65,900▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.50 | $31.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,589▲ | $38,222 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,653 | $47,448▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,573 | $84,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,968 | $102,146▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 10 |
Verdict
West Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Waterbury and West Haven is $23,247 (54.50%). West Haven's median is -20.91% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Waterbury spans $35,379,West Haven spans $63,924. West Haven 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, West Haven ($61,075 effective) pays 42.87% more than Waterbury ($42,748 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose West Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,900/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,146)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,075)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Waterbury grew -22.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -35.4% growth in West Haven over the same period.
Waterbury, CT
$51,670 (2024) → $39,930 (2025)
West Haven, CT
$95,439 (2024) → $61,693 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waterbury, CT
West Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Waterbury or West Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Waterbury and West Haven?
Should I relocate from Waterbury to West Haven as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Waterbury vs West Haven?
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