How Much Does a Lead Design Researcher make?

Lead Design Researcher made a median salary around $120,675 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $132,192 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $109,676. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $109,676 10% $99,662 90% $142,677 75% $132,192 $120,675 50%(Median)
Check out Lead Design Researcher jobs in Michigan

Lead Design Engineer

Proos - Grand Rapids, MI

Design Lead - Defense

Waltonen - Warren, MI

Design Lead

Inteva Products - Troy, MI

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Best-Paying Cities for Lead Design Researcher

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Lead Design Researcher profession are Saline , Ypsilanti , Ann Arbor , Dexter , Salem .
Saline, MI $125,443
Ypsilanti, MI $125,443
Ann Arbor, MI $125,443
Dexter, MI $125,443
Salem, MI $125,321

Best-Paying States for Lead Design Researcher

The states and districts that pay Lead Design Researcher the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $136,080) , California (around $134,858) , New Jersey (around $134,002) , Alaska (around $133,146) , and Massachusetts (around $133,024) .
District of Columbia $136,080
California $134,858
New Jersey $134,002
Alaska $133,146
Massachusetts $133,024

What is the Career Path of Lead Design Researcher?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Lead Design Researcher, the upper level is UI/Usability Designer IV , and then progresses to UI/Usability Design Senior Manager
Besides, Lead Design Researcher can also turn to other related jobs, including Design Researcher , Lead Researcher , Advisory Design Researcher and Senior Design Researcher .

Frequently Asked Questions for Lead Design Researcher

Q: What is the salary range of Lead Design Researcher in Michigan?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Lead Design Researcher in Michigan earned an average annual salary of $109,676 , while the highest-paid made $132,192.
Q: What is the salary for a Lead Design Researcher in California?
A: Lead Design Researcher employed in California earned an average salary of $134,858 in 2025.

Average Lead Design Researcher Pay vs. Other Jobs

Lead Design Researcher earned an average salary of $120,675 in 2025. Other jobs related to Lead Design Researcher earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Design Researcher made $68,057 , Lead Researcher made $86,675 , Advisory Design Researcher and Senior Design Researcher made $135,728 and $120,675 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Lead Design Researcher

Design Researcher - Average Salary $68,057
There is currently no job description for Design Researcher, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Design Researcher.
Lead Researcher - Average Salary $86,675
There is currently no job description for Lead Researcher, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Lead Researcher.
Advisory Design Researcher - Average Salary $135,728
There is currently no job description for Advisory Design Researcher, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Advisory Design Researcher.
Senior Design Researcher - Average Salary $120,675
There is currently no job description for Senior Design Researcher, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior Design Researcher.
Human Factors Researcher IV - Average Salary $138,520
Human Factors Researcher IV conducts research studies and activities to support the development of user-centered product designs and that apply human factors principles, standards, and methodologies. Develops research and testing protocols that incorporate design principles, regulatory requirements, and behavioral methods. Being a Human Factors Researcher IV plans and facilitates usability testing sessions and user interviews to evaluate product concepts and designs, and to identify problems or additional requirements. Develops and manages data collection instruments and protocols. Additionally, Human Factors Researcher IV analyzes quantitative and qualitative data and presents research results to technical and development teams. Requires a bachelor's degree in human factors, usability engineering, cognitive psychology or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Human Factors Researcher IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Human Factors Researcher IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.