Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Miami, FL vs Chicago, IL

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

Miami, FL
$134,821
/ year
+2%
difference
Chicago, IL
$132,439
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite Miami paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Miami
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$134,821✓ higher
$132,439
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$87,188✓ higher
$85,648
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$208,477✓ higher
$204,794
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$92,084✓ higher
$90,646
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,351
$115,164✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.20×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$87,188✓ higher
$85,648
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$208,477✓ higher
$204,794

What if you move from Miami to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$2,382
2% decrease
Take-home change
$1,438
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,813
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

Miami, FL$134,821
P10: $87,188Median: $134,821P90: $208,477
Chicago, IL$132,439
P10: $85,648Median: $132,439P90: $204,794

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Miami or Chicago?

The median UX Researcher salary in Miami, FL is $134,821/yr compared to $132,439/yr in Chicago, IL. Miami pays 2% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Miami salary has the purchasing power of $112,351/yr in a median-cost city, vs $115,164/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Miami, FL takes home approximately $92,084/yr, vs $90,646/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.