Google UX Researcher Salary in US

UX researchers conduct research and explore user behavior that helps to understand what works for them and what doesn't. At Google, UX researchers inspire change using groundbreaking presentations to showcase their findings.

Over the past few years, the demand for UX researchers has gone up, and so have their salaries. Today we'll be exploring the average Google UX researcher salary along with several other things to help you understand the job profile better.

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In this article, we'll be covering:

• What Does a Google UX Researcher Do?
• Qualifications Needed to Become a Google UX Researcher
• Average Google UX Researcher Salary in the US
• Average Google UX Researcher Salary by Location
• Google UX Researcher Salary Compared to Other FAANG+ Companies
• FAQs on Google UX Researcher Salary

What Does a Google UX Researcher Do?

As a UX researcher at Google, you'll be expected to carry out the following tasks:

Overseeing Research Projects

You'll guide the product team to determine and shape the project from beginning to end. You'll be helping the team select the relevant method and plan out the research. This is followed by planning the logistics, executing, conducting the analysis, presenting the changes that can be made, and finally, sharing the insights broadly. You might also need to take the help of vendors for certain parts of the whole process.

Collating the Researched Data

You'll have to find the research that's already done and then repurpose it for the team several times. Since there are several teams at Google, the research might be useful when tackling problems. So if any other team has done some new research that has valuable insights, it can help your team out as well, and you won't have to do something that's already been done.

Supervising the Research

In a company of that magnitude, you can't possibly do all the research on your own. A rapid research team helps in doing research that you can't do. You'll have to create a study plan and send it to them. The rapid research team is thorough and attentive to detail and will carry out the research according to the study plan. And if there are any issues, they might reach out to you, and you'll have to guide them.

Being the "Voice of the User"

As a UX researcher, you'll need to think from the users' perspective and be their voice when working with product teams, designers, engineers, and other teams. If you're in a senior position, you'll be expected to represent the needs, wants, expectations, and pretty much everything related to the target group. 

As you slowly move up the ladder and become a senior, your Google UX research salary increases. The work that you'll be doing will center more around strategic planning, and you'll be spending less time researching. 

Qualifications Needed to Become a Google UX Researcher

For a mid-level user experience researcher, Google uses a job description that looks something like this:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, or related practical experience.
• Research design experience using different methods such as usability studies, contextual inquiry, surveys, etc.
• Relevant product research experience - either in end-to-end usability or generative setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field.
• Relevant work experience spanning 8 years within user experience, human-computer interaction, applied research, and/or product research and development.
• Good at communicating findings with cross-functional partners to make an impact.
• Deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods. This also includes when and how they need to be implemented in the product development process.

Average Google UX Researcher Salary in US

The average Google UX researcher salary is $139,508, including the base salary and the bonus. The salary offered at Google is reported to be 10% more than the national average. Based on many factors such as location, experience, and educational background.

Average Google UX Researcher Salary by Location

Location plays an important role in determining the salary for a particular profile because the demand and the type of company hiring keep changing from city to city. The average UX researcher salaries for some major cities in the US have been given below:

(Source: glassdoor.com)

California is a hotspot for UX experience researchers in terms of salaries. Since it is where many tech companies are located, the demand for UX researchers is pretty high there.

Google UX Researcher Salary Compared to Other FAANG+ Companies

To give you a clear sense of how the average Google UX researcher salary fares when compared to other FAANG+ companies, we’ve put together a table:

(Source: comparably.com)

Compared to Amazon and Apple, Google pays a bit on the lower side but still more than what you can make as a UX researcher at Netflix or Facebook. But the value that Google places in its UX researchers is tremendous and makes the little pay difference worth it.

FAQs on Google UX Researcher Salary

Q1. What is the average Google UX researcher salary? 

On average, a Google UX researcher makes $139,508 per year, which is 10% more than the national average. 

Q2. How to become a UX researcher at Google?

To become a UX researcher at Google, you'll need a bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or some other related field. If you're applying for more senior positions, you might also need to have a master's or a Ph.D.

Q3. Do UX researchers need to code?

Design skills are not necessary. Whether you apply to become a quantitative or qualitative UX researcher, you'll be working with both research methods in your career. 

As long as you have the required experience, good analytical skills, and project management skills, you're sorted.

Q4. Do UX researchers get paid well?

On average, UX researchers in the US make anywhere between $88,000 to $134,000. The salary varies from company to company and depends on factors such as location, experience, and so on.

Q5. Is UX researcher a good career choice?

If you're someone who has an inquisitive mind and likes to learn about things in-depth, being a UX researcher might just be the perfect job for you. Further, it's an in-demand job in a highly popular industry.

How to Crack the UX Researcher Interview at Google?

If you're looking for guidance on how to prep for a UX researcher interview at Google, then sign up for our free webinar.

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