Plan and conduct user research studies to inform product design decisions. Median salary in Chicago: $121K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Figures represent annual base salary in Chicago, Illinois. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →
Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.
UX Researchers in Chicago earn approximately 8% higher than the US national median for this role — a $9,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Chicago's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.
This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally according to job-posting analysis, which significantly expands the job market for Chicago-based UX Researchers. Many Chicago professionals in this role are paid on the locality scale of their employer's HQ rather than Chicago's local rate — verify which scale your offer references before negotiating.
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $121K by 2030.
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The median UX Researcher salary in Chicago, IL is $121,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chicago–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Entry-level UX Researchers in Chicago with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $89,000 and $121,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $121,000 to $157,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $157,000 to $200,000 or more.
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Chicago are close to the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.
Bachelor's or Master's in Psychology, HCI, or Design. This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Chicago-based professionals.