Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs New York, NY

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

Los Angeles, CA
$155,394
/ year
-6%
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
Los Angeles
New York
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$155,394
$165,457✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,493
$107,000✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$240,289
$255,850✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$104,500
$110,573✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,604
$114,108✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×✓ lower
1.45×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,493
$107,000✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$240,289
$255,850✓ higher

What if you move from Los Angeles to New York?

Gross salary change
+$10,063
6% increase
Take-home change
+$6,073
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,504
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
New York, NY$165,457
P10: $107,000Median: $165,457P90: $255,850

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixLos Angeles vs PhiladelphiaLos Angeles vs San AntonioLos Angeles vs San DiegoAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median UX Researcher salary in Los Angeles, CA is $155,394/yr compared to $165,457/yr in New York, NY. New York pays 6% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in Los Angeles or New York 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 $114,108/yr for New York. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

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