Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
New York, NY vs Melbourne

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

New York, NY
$165,457
/ year
+42%
difference
Melbourne
$116,154
/ 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
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$165,457✓ higher
$116,154
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$107,000✓ higher
$75,116
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$255,850✓ higher
$179,612
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$110,573✓ higher
$78,985
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$114,108✓ higher
$92,923
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$107,000
$114,176✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$255,850
$273,010✓ higher

What if you move from New York to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$49,303
42% decrease
Take-home change
$31,588
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$21,185
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
Melbourne$116,154
P10: $114,176Median: $116,154P90: $273,010

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 AntonioMelbourne vs SydneyMelbourne vs BrisbaneMelbourne vs PerthMelbourne vs AdelaideAll UX Researcher salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median UX Researcher salary in New York, NY is $165,457/yr compared to A$176,554/yr in Melbourne. New York pays 42% more in gross terms.

▶Is a UX Researcher salary worth more in New York or Melbourne 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 $92,923/yr for Melbourne. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in New York, NY takes home approximately $110,573/yr, vs $78,985/yr in Melbourne. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.