Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Chicago, IL

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

San Francisco, CA
$188,723
/ year
+42%
difference
Chicago, IL
$132,439
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago offers better purchasing power despite San Francisco paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$188,723✓ higher
$132,439
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$122,046✓ higher
$85,648
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$291,827✓ higher
$204,794
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$126,153✓ higher
$90,646
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$112,335
$115,164✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$122,046✓ higher
$85,648
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$291,827✓ higher
$204,794

What if you move from San Francisco to Chicago?

Gross salary change
$56,284
42% decrease
Take-home change
$35,507
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$2,829
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

San Francisco, CA$188,723
P10: $122,046Median: $188,723P90: $291,827
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 San Francisco or Chicago?

The median UX Researcher salary in San Francisco, CA is $188,723/yr compared to $132,439/yr in Chicago, IL. San Francisco pays 42% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $112,335/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 San Francisco vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $126,153/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.