UX Researcher Salary in Wake County
Wake County is home to Raleigh and sits at the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle. Tech giants, pharma, and a strong startup scene influence UX researcher salaries. Employers compete for top talent.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$65,000 to $80,000
Average (per year)
$72,000
Entry-level hires fill positions in the Research Triangle tech corridor, often at startups or university-affiliated labs.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$80,000 to $105,000
Average (per year)
$92,000
Mid-level salaries rise with experience at global companies like IBM, Red Hat, or local SaaS firms.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$105,000 to $128,000
Average (per year)
$116,000
Senior researchers frequently lead teams at major headquarters or manage UX research for fast-scaling software companies.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$128,000+
Principal and lead roles command the highest pay, often with stock and bonuses, mostly found at multinationals or advanced research centers.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$32 - $48
per hour
Mid-level
$48 - $70
per hour
Senior
$70 - $95
per hour