Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Chicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CA

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

Chicago, IL
$132,439
/ year
-15%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$155,394
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power (your money goes further) even if gross salary differs. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Chicago
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$132,439
$155,394✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$85,648
$100,493✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$204,794
$240,289✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$90,646
$104,500✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$115,164✓ higher
$112,604
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.15×✓ lower
1.38×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$85,648
$100,493✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$204,794
$240,289✓ higher

What if you move from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
+$22,955
15% increase
Take-home change
+$13,854
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,560
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

Chicago, IL$132,439
P10: $85,648Median: $132,439P90: $204,794
Los Angeles, CA$155,394
P10: $100,493Median: $155,394P90: $240,289

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

Chicago vs New YorkChicago vs HoustonChicago vs PhoenixChicago vs PhiladelphiaChicago vs San AntonioChicago vs San DiegoAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Chicago or Los Angeles?

The median UX Researcher salary in Chicago, IL is $132,439/yr compared to $155,394/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles pays 15% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in Chicago or Los Angeles after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Chicago salary has the purchasing power of $115,164/yr in a median-cost city, vs $112,604/yr for Los Angeles. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a UX Researcher in Chicago vs Los Angeles?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $90,646/yr, vs $104,500/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.