UX Researcher Salary in 2026
Conduct research to understand user needs, behaviors, and motivations through observation and feedback.
Median Salary
$115,000
$9,583/mo
Entry Level
$72,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$168,000
experienced
Job Growth
+22%
10-yr outlook
UX Researcher Overview
Conduct research to understand user needs, behaviors, and motivations through observation and feedback.
Education
Bachelor's or Master's
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
82K
5-Year Growth
+18%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$55.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,583
UX Researcher Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated UX Researcher salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated UX Researcher Salary
$135,000
$11,250/month · $5,192/biweekly · $64.90/hr
UX Researcher Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the UX Researcher field.
Entry-level UX Researchers earn around $72,000, while the top 10% earn $186,500 or more.
Top Paying States for UX Researchers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $136,000 | +$21,000 |
| New York | $132,000 | +$17,000 |
| Washington | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Massachusetts | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Texas | $113,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for UX Researchers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $144,000 | +$29,000 |
| New York | $136,000 | +$21,000 |
| Seattle | $131,000 | +$16,000 |
| Boston | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Austin | $118,000 | +$3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
UX Researcher Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a UX Researcher from entry level to expert.
$72,000
0-2 years
$120,000
3-7 years
$168,000
8-14 years
$205,000
15+ years
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UX Researcher Salary FAQ
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