Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Melbourne

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

Los Angeles, CA
$155,394
/ year
+34%
difference
Melbourne
$116,154
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$155,394✓ higher
$116,154
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,493✓ higher
$75,116
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$240,289✓ higher
$179,612
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$104,500✓ higher
$78,985
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,604✓ higher
$92,923
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,493
$114,176✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$240,289
$273,010✓ higher

What if you move from Los Angeles to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$39,240
34% decrease
Take-home change
$25,515
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$19,681
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

Los Angeles, CA$155,394
P10: $100,493Median: $155,394P90: $240,289
Melbourne$116,154
P10: $114,176Median: $116,154P90: $273,010

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixLos Angeles vs PhiladelphiaLos Angeles vs San AntonioMelbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median UX Researcher salary in Los Angeles, CA is $155,394/yr compared to A$176,554/yr in Melbourne. Los Angeles pays 34% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $112,604/yr in a median-cost city, vs $92,923/yr for Melbourne. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $104,500/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.