UX Researcher vs QA Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
UX Researcher
Conduct user research to guide product design and strategy decisions.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
QA Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $300/year (0%) higher than a UX Researcher. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Researcher vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Researcher | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $149,234 | $151,085 | UX $1,851 |
| New York, NY | $125,371 | $126,759 | UX $1,388 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,039 | $150,155 | UX $6,116 |
| Austin, TX | $118,454 | $114,009 | UX +$4,445 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,671 | $115,087 | UX $2,416 |
| Boston, MA | $134,489 | $133,460 | UX +$1,029 |
| London, UK | £82,714 | £82,816 | UX $102 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,619 | CA$136,813 | UX $194 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Researcher or QA Engineer earn more?+
A QA Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Researcher is $104,000/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $300 (0%).
Which has better career growth — UX Researcher or QA Engineer?+
UX Researcher roles are growing at 18% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. UX Researcher has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Researcher to QA Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — UX Researcher or QA Engineer?+
UX Researcher has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.