Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
Singapore vs Chicago, IL

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

Singapore
$115,817
/ year
-6%
difference
Chicago, IL
$123,572
/ year
Bottom line: Chicago wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Singapore
Chicago
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$115,817
$123,572✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$74,898
$79,913✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$179,091
$191,082✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$78,756
$85,295✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$82,726
$107,454✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.15×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$100,363✓ higher
$79,913
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$239,982✓ higher
$191,082

What if you move from Singapore to Chicago?

Gross salary change
+$7,755
6% increase
Take-home change
+$6,539
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$24,728
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

Singapore$115,817
P10: $100,363Median: $115,817P90: $239,982
Chicago, IL$123,572
P10: $79,913Median: $123,572P90: $191,082

More UX Researcher salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a UX Researcher earn more in Singapore or Chicago?

The median UX Researcher salary in Singapore is S$155,195/yr compared to $123,572/yr in Chicago, IL. Chicago pays 6% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Singapore salary has the purchasing power of $82,726/yr in a median-cost city, vs $107,454/yr for Chicago. Chicago offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a UX Researcher in Singapore vs Chicago?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in Singapore takes home approximately $78,756/yr, vs $85,295/yr in Chicago, IL. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.