As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a UX Researcher IV in the United States is $143,196 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a UX Researcher IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A UX Researcher IV's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a UX Researcher IV's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| User Experience Digital Designer II | 2-4 years | $103,288 |
| User Experience Digital Designer III | 4-7 years | $116,108 |
| UX Researcher IV | 7+ years | $143,206 |
| User Experience Digital Designer V | 7-10 years | $157,994 |
| User Experience Digital Design Manager | 10+ years | $157,799 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract UX Researcher IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Adobe | 25% |
| CRM | 25% |
| Prototyping | 25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$148,924 |
4%
|
UX Researcher IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $160,300. While startup companies pay approximate $135,610.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $135,610 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $143,423 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $154,798 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $160,300 |
For UX Researcher IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, UX Researcher positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view UX Researcher IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $186,155 | $89.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $178,995 | $86.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $171,835 | $83.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $164,675 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $157,516 | $76.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a UX Researcher IV's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a UX Researcher IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the User Experience Digital Designer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $158,000 - a projected growth of 10% over your current level.
Salaries for a UX Researcher IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $130,479 in 2023 to around $128,490 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of UX Researcher IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $130,479 |
| 2024 | $130,434 |
| 2025 | $128,490 |
| 2026 |
View More
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| 2027 |
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for UX Researcher IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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