Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Melbourne vs Brisbane

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

Melbourne
$116,154
/ year
+9%
difference
Brisbane
$106,184
/ year
Bottom line: Brisbane offers better purchasing power despite Melbourne paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Melbourne
Brisbane
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$116,154✓ higher
$106,184
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$75,116✓ higher
$68,669
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$179,612✓ higher
$164,195
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$78,985✓ higher
$72,205
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$92,923
$94,807✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×
1.12×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$114,176✓ higher
$104,377
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$273,010✓ higher
$249,576

What if you move from Melbourne to Brisbane?

Gross salary change
$9,970
9% decrease
Take-home change
$6,780
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,884
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

Melbourne$116,154
P10: $114,176Median: $116,154P90: $273,010
Brisbane$106,184
P10: $104,377Median: $106,184P90: $249,576

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

Melbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Melbourne or Brisbane?

The median UX Researcher salary in Melbourne is A$176,554/yr compared to A$161,400/yr in Brisbane. Melbourne pays 9% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Melbourne salary has the purchasing power of $92,923/yr in a median-cost city, vs $94,807/yr for Brisbane. Brisbane offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Melbourne takes home approximately $78,985/yr, vs $72,205/yr in Brisbane. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.