Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Seattle, WA vs Melbourne

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

Seattle, WA
$157,975
/ year
+36%
difference
Melbourne
$116,154
/ year
Bottom line: Seattle wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Seattle
Melbourne
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$157,975✓ higher
$116,154
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$102,162✓ higher
$75,116
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$244,280✓ higher
$179,612
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$106,057✓ higher
$78,985
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$111,250✓ higher
$92,923
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.25×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$102,162
$114,176✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$244,280
$273,010✓ higher

What if you move from Seattle to Melbourne?

Gross salary change
$41,821
36% decrease
Take-home change
$27,072
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$18,327
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

Seattle, WA$157,975
P10: $102,162Median: $157,975P90: $244,280
Melbourne$116,154
P10: $114,176Median: $116,154P90: $273,010

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median UX Researcher salary in Seattle, WA is $157,975/yr compared to A$176,554/yr in Melbourne. Seattle pays 36% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $111,250/yr in a median-cost city, vs $92,923/yr for Melbourne. Seattle offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $106,057/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.