UX Researcher Salary Guide
UX researchers play a crucial role in understanding user needs and behaviors, informing product design decisions. This guide provides comprehensive information about UX researcher salaries across different experience levels, industries, and company sizes.
EXPERIENCE
Average UX researcher salaries by experience
Entry-level(0-2 years)
- Salary range (per year)
$60,000 - $85,000 - Average (per year)
$72,500
- Salary range (per year)
Mid-level(3-5 years)
- Salary range (per year)
$85,000 - $120,000 - Average (per year)
$102,500
- Salary range (per year)
Senior(6+ years)
- Salary range (per year)
$120,000 - $160,000+ - Average (per year)
$140,000
- Salary range (per year)
Industry-specific salary variations
UX researcher salaries can vary significantly across industries.
💾 Technology
- — Salary range: $75,000 - $160,000+
- — Often offers competitive salaries and opportunities to work on innovative products
💰 Finance
- — Salary range: $80,000 - $150,000+
- — Values UX research for complex financial products and services
💊 Healthcare
- — Salary range: $70,000 - $140,000
- — Growing demand for user-centered healthcare solutions
🛍️ E-commerce
- — Salary range: $70,000 - $145,000
- — Focuses on understanding customer behavior and preferences
Salaries by company size
Company size can significantly impact UX researcher salaries.
Startups (< 50 employees)
- — Salary range: $65,000 - $100,000
- — Often offer equity compensation
Mid-size companies (50-500 employees)
- — Salary range: $80,000 - $130,000
- — Balance between stability and growth opportunities
Large corporations (500+ employees)
- — Salary range: $90,000 - $160,000+
- — Often offer comprehensive benefits packages
Hourly Rates
While most full-time positions offer annual salaries, freelance or contract UX researchers often work at hourly rates.
Junior
$50 - $80
UX Researcher
per hourMid-level
$80 - $120
UX Researcher
per hourSenior
$120 - $180+
UX Researcher
per hour
Factors affecting UX researcher salaries
Several factors can influence a UX researcher's salary.
- — Location: Salaries are often higher in major tech hubs
- — Education: Advanced degrees in HCI, psychology, or related fields can increase earning potential
- — Skills: Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods
- — Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating research impact on product decisions
- — Specialization: Expertise in areas like behavioral economics or accessibility research
Negotiating your salary
When negotiating your UX researcher salary.
- ● Research industry standards for your location and experience level
- ● Highlight your unique skills and measurable impact from past research projects
- ● Consider the entire compensation package, including benefits and professional development opportunities
- ● Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations confidently
UX researcher salaries vary widely based on experience, industry, location, and company size. As you progress in your career, focus on developing a diverse set of research skills, staying current with emerging methodologies, and demonstrating the business impact of your research to maximize your earning potential.
Remember, these figures are general guidelines. Always research current market rates in your specific location and industry when negotiating salaries or rates.