Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Boston, MA vs New York, NY

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

Boston, MA
$157,996
/ year
-5%
difference
New York, NY
$165,457
/ year
Bottom line: New York wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Boston
New York
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$157,996
$165,457✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$102,175
$107,000✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$244,313
$255,850✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$106,070
$110,573✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,854
$114,108✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×✓ lower
1.45×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$102,175
$107,000✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$244,313
$255,850✓ higher

What if you move from Boston to New York?

Gross salary change
+$7,461
5% increase
Take-home change
+$4,503
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,254
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

Boston, MA$157,996
P10: $102,175Median: $157,996P90: $244,313
New York, NY$165,457
P10: $107,000Median: $165,457P90: $255,850

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Boston or New York?

The median UX Researcher salary in Boston, MA is $157,996/yr compared to $165,457/yr in New York, NY. New York pays 5% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in Boston or New York after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Boston salary has the purchasing power of $112,854/yr in a median-cost city, vs $114,108/yr for New York. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a UX Researcher in Boston vs New York?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Boston, MA takes home approximately $106,070/yr, vs $110,573/yr in New York, NY. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.