UX Researcher vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
UX Researcher earns more on average — the national median is $4,870/year (5%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
UX Researcher vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | UX Researcher | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $149,234 | $146,173 | UX +$3,061 |
| New York, NY | $125,371 | $120,157 | UX +$5,214 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,039 | $143,912 | UX +$127 |
| Austin, TX | $118,454 | $108,712 | UX +$9,742 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,671 | $104,809 | UX +$7,862 |
| Boston, MA | $134,489 | $127,175 | UX +$7,314 |
| London, UK | £82,714 | £76,827 | UX +$5,887 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$136,619 | CA$130,867 | UX +$5,752 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UX Researcher or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A UX Researcher earns more on average. The national median salary for a UX Researcher is $104,000/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $4,870 (5%).
Which has better career growth — UX Researcher or Systems Administrator?+
UX Researcher roles are growing at 18% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. UX Researcher has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from UX Researcher to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
UX Researcher has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.