Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Austin, TX vs Melbourne

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Austin, TX
$130,263
/ year
+12%
difference
Melbourne
$116,154
/ year
Bottom line: Austin wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Austin
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$130,263✓ higher
$116,154
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$84,240✓ higher
$75,116
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$201,429✓ higher
$179,612
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$89,333✓ higher
$78,985
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$116,306✓ higher
$92,923
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.12×✓ lower
1.25×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$84,240
$114,176✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$201,429
$273,010✓ higher

What if you move from Austin to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$14,109
12% decrease
Take-home change
$10,348
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$23,383
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Austin, TX$130,263
P10: $84,240Median: $130,263P90: $201,429
Melbourne$116,154
P10: $114,176Median: $116,154P90: $273,010

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

Austin vs New YorkAustin vs Los AngelesAustin vs ChicagoAustin vs HoustonAustin vs PhoenixAustin vs PhiladelphiaMelbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Austin or Melbourne?

The median UX Researcher salary in Austin, TX is $130,263/yr compared to A$176,554/yr in Melbourne. Austin pays 12% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in Austin or Melbourne after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Austin salary has the purchasing power of $116,306/yr in a median-cost city, vs $92,923/yr for Melbourne. Austin offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a UX Researcher in Austin vs Melbourne?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Austin, TX takes home approximately $89,333/yr, vs $78,985/yr in Melbourne. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.