Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
New York, NY vs Denver, CO

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

New York, NY
$165,457
/ year
+31%
difference
Denver, CO
$126,466
/ 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
New York
Denver
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$165,457✓ higher
$126,466
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$107,000✓ higher
$81,785
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$255,850✓ higher
$195,557
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$110,573✓ higher
$87,042
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$114,108✓ higher
$110,935
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.14×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$107,000✓ higher
$81,785
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$255,850✓ higher
$195,557

What if you move from New York to Denver?

Gross salary change
$38,991
31% decrease
Take-home change
$23,531
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$3,173
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

New York, NY$165,457
P10: $107,000Median: $165,457P90: $255,850
Denver, CO$126,466
P10: $81,785Median: $126,466P90: $195,557

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

New York vs Los AngelesNew York vs ChicagoNew York vs HoustonNew York vs PhoenixNew York vs PhiladelphiaNew York vs San AntonioAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median UX Researcher salary in New York, NY is $165,457/yr compared to $126,466/yr in Denver, CO. New York pays 31% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in New York or Denver after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $114,108/yr in a median-cost city, vs $110,935/yr for Denver. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in New York, NY takes home approximately $110,573/yr, vs $87,042/yr in Denver, CO. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.