Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

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

Los Angeles, CA
$155,394
/ year
+37%
difference
Phoenix, AZ
$113,761
/ year
Bottom line: Phoenix offers better purchasing power despite Los Angeles paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$155,394✓ higher
$113,761
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$100,493✓ higher
$73,569
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$240,289✓ higher
$175,911
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$104,500✓ higher
$79,374
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,604
$117,279✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
0.97×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,493✓ higher
$73,569
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$240,289✓ higher
$175,911

What if you move from Los Angeles to Phoenix?

Gross salary change
$41,633
37% decrease
Take-home change
$25,126
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$4,675
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
Phoenix, AZ$113,761
P10: $73,569Median: $113,761P90: $175,911

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos 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 Phoenix?

The median UX Researcher salary in Los Angeles, CA is $155,394/yr compared to $113,761/yr in Phoenix, AZ. Los Angeles pays 37% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in Los Angeles or Phoenix 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 $117,279/yr for Phoenix. Phoenix offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $104,500/yr, vs $79,374/yr in Phoenix, AZ. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.