Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Seattle, WA vs New York, NY

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

Seattle, WA
$157,531
/ year
-5%
difference
New York, NY
$165,457
/ 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
Seattle
New York
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$157,531
$165,457✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$101,875
$107,000✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$243,594
$255,850✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$105,789
$110,573✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$110,937
$114,108✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×✓ lower
1.45×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$101,875
$107,000✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$243,594
$255,850✓ higher

What if you move from Seattle to New York?

Gross salary change
+$7,926
5% increase
Take-home change
+$4,784
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$3,171
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$157,531
P10: $101,875Median: $157,531P90: $243,594
New York, NY$165,457
P10: $107,000Median: $165,457P90: $255,850

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median UX Researcher salary in Seattle, WA is $157,531/yr compared to $165,457/yr in New York, NY. New York pays 5% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $110,937/yr in a median-cost city, vs $114,108/yr for New York. New York offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $105,789/yr, vs $110,573/yr in New York, NY. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.