What is a user experience researcher and how to become one

Q: UX Researcher vs. UX Designer

A UX researcher is a tech professional who figures out the target market for a product, while a UX designer creates the product. A UX researcher is tasked with finding the target market for a tech product, this includes figuring out what motivates the consumers and how the potential product could improve their lives. They analyze consumer behavior and form data-driven insights to address the needs of the consumers. Once they have these insights, they turn them over to the larger UX design team so they can create products that meet the needs of their consumers.

Q: How do you become a UX researcher with no experience?

You become a UX researcher with no experience by participating in at least one course, gaining experience, and creating a UX portfolio to accompany your resume. Many experienced UX researchers also recommend finding tutelage under a more experienced researcher for a more rounded learning experience.

Q: How much does a user experience researcher make?

A user experience researcher makes approximately $75,000 per year, with moderate experience. Some user experience researchers may make upward of $150,000; however, these individuals tend to have between fifteen and twenty years of experience.

Q: Is UX research dying?

No, UX research is not dying. In fact, because of the uptick in new technologies and heightened use by consumers, user research has been projected as one of the most important and in-demand jobs throughout the United States.

Q: Is UX research in demand?

Yes, UX research is in demand. Due to substantial advances in technology and technological applications being given to average consumers, UX research is likely to maintain its title as one of the more in-demand career areas within the United States.

Q: What degree do you need to be a UX researcher?

You do not need a degree to be a UX researcher. However, some gain their bachelor's degrees in information technology, psychology, or other human interface programs. Most UX researchers only need to have an in-depth knowledge of technology and human behavior and some programming languages.

Q: What skills do you need to be a UX researcher?

Skills you need to be a UX researcher include understanding technology design, basic human interfaces skills involving technology, and heavy communication skills. Other valuable skills required in this job apply analysis skills, research methodologies, human behavior observation skills, and collaborative or teamwork skills.

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Neal Palmer Ph.D.

A user experience researcher studies how people interact with products, services, or systems. They conduct research to understand user needs, behaviors, and preferences. This involves using surveys, interviews, usability testing, and data analysis. User experience researchers use their findings to inform the design and development of products with more user-friendly outcomes. They work collaboratively with designers, developers, and stakeholders to create intuitive and satisfying user experiences that meet the needs of the target audience.

What general advice would you give to a user experience researcher?

Dr. Neal Palmer Ph.D.

Chair, Associate Professor, Christian Brothers University

I think the pandemic will affect history graduates in many of the same ways it will affect graduates in any major. I hope they will be struck, hopefully, humbled by the power of the natural environment to dictate the terms on which humanity can function. I also hope that it teaches the importance of group cohesion and cooperation in confronting problems. If this happens, I think it could have long-range effects on the personal and political behavior of these graduates as they confront future environmental and social challenges. If you are asking about the more mundane question of jobs, I think history majors should fair well in the post-pandemic world. History majors leave college with communication and thinking skills that will help them adapt and succeed in a fast-changing and unpredictable world.

ScoreUser Experience ResearcherUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $99,849

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.9

Growth rate 19%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.13%

Asian 14.41%

Black or African American 4.77%

Hispanic or Latino 11.35%

Unknown 4.90%

White 64.43%

Gender

female 55.78%

male 44.22%

Age - 34

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 34

Stress level

4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a user experience researcher?

Pros

Possibility for remote work and flexible schedules
Competitive salary and job security
High demand for UX researchers in the job market
Possibility for international work experience
Potential for career advancement

Cons

Time-consuming research process with unpredictable outcomes
Pressure to deliver results quickly and accurately
Difficulties in communicating research findings to stakeholders
Potential for burnout due to high workload or project demands
Limited opportunities for career growth in smaller organizations.

Key steps to become a user experience researcher

Explore user experience researcher education requirements

Most common user experience researcher degrees

Bachelor's

67.3 %

Master's

21.8 %

Doctorate

4.6 %

Start to develop specific user experience researcher skills

Skills	Percentages
User Research	11.31%
User Experience	8.62%
Research Methods	8.27%
Research Findings	6.08%
Quantitative Research	4.04%

Complete relevant user experience researcher training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New user experience researchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a user experience researcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real user experience researcher resumes.

Research user experience researcher duties and responsibilities

Lead a team of researchers charge with the development of new homogeneous catalysis and process chemistry technologies.
Lead focus group sessions of 4-6 study participants, code transcripts of sessions, and analyze data using STATA.
Create Linux shell scripts to automate common process which severely reduce manual work load and processing time for the entire lab.
Conduct RNA/DNA isolation technique experiments; perform RT-PCR and DNA gels for analysis.

Prepare your user experience researcher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your user experience researcher resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a user experience researcher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable user experience researcher resume templates

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