CreativeUpdated Q1 2025

UX Researcher Salary
in Oakland, CA

Plan and conduct user research studies to inform product design decisions. Median salary in Oakland: $155K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$155K
per year
Take-home: $95K

Salary range in Oakland

Entry level (25th)$113,000
Median (50th)$155,000
Senior (75th)$200,000
Top earner (90th)$255,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Oakland, California.

Key facts for Oakland

Median salary
$155K
annual
Take-home pay
$95K
after fed/state tax
COL index
185
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,800
per month
YoY growth
+5.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Oakland UX Researcher to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $155K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Oakland

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
UX Researcher salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$130K$141K$153K$164K$175K201920212023202520272029
2026
$159K
projected
2027
$163K
projected
2028
$167K
projected
2029
$171K
projected
2030
$175K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$155,000+$0
2028 projected$155,000+$0
2029 projected$155,000+$0
2030 projected$155,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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UX Researcher Salary in Oakland, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median UX Researcher salary in Oakland, CA is $155,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Oakland–CA 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.

Salary range for UX Researcher in Oakland

Entry-level UX Researchers in Oakland with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $113,000 and $155,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $155,000 to $200,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $200,000 to $255,000 or more.

Cost of living in Oakland for UX Researchers

Oakland has a cost of living index of 185 compared to the US national average of 100. Oakland's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for UX Researcher

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 Oakland-based professionals.

UX Researcher salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Oakland (current)$155K185
Los Angeles163
San Diego148
San Jose210
San Francisco224
Fresno102