UX Researcher vs SOC Analyst: 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
UX Researcher earns more on average — the national median is $32,000/year (44%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Researcher vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Researcher | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $149,234 | $105,392 | UX +$43,842 |
| New York, NY | $125,371 | $140,470 | UX $15,099 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,039 | $101,114 | UX +$42,925 |
| Austin, TX | $118,454 | $81,440 | UX +$37,014 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,671 | $76,392 | UX +$36,279 |
| Boston, MA | $134,489 | $94,913 | UX +$39,576 |
| London, UK | £82,714 | £57,665 | UX +$25,049 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,619 | CA$93,306 | UX +$43,313 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Researcher or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A UX Researcher earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Researcher is $104,000/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $32,000 (44%).
Which has better career growth — UX Researcher or SOC Analyst?+
UX Researcher roles are growing at 18% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Researcher to SOC Analyst?+
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 SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.