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Part Time User Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Broadcast Music, Inc.

PT Music Researcher

Novato, CA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

BMI is looking for a Part-Time Music Researcher that will play a key role conducting music and market research and reporting back to our team. In this role, you'll occasionally be assigned to visit ...

IntelliSurvey

IT Technician (U.S.)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

We help organizations tackle complex research challenges that other shy away from, delivering ... We're looking for a Part-Time IT Technician to join our team. This role offers the flexibility to ...

IntelliSurvey

IT Technician (U.S.)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

We help organizations tackle complex research challenges that other shy away from, delivering ... We're looking for a Part-Time IT Technician to join our team. This role offers the flexibility to ...

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All JobsUser Research JobsPart Time User Research JobsPart Time User Research Jobs in California

Part Time User Research information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do part time user research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time user research in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part-time user researcher?

A part-time user researcher is a professional who studies how people use products or services, typically working fewer hours than a full-time position. They gather insights through interviews, surveys, usability tests, and observations to help companies improve their products and user experiences. Part-time user researchers often collaborate with design, product, and development teams, but have flexible schedules or reduced workloads compared to full-time roles. This job is ideal for those seeking work-life balance or supplementing other commitments while contributing valuable research expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part-time user researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time User Researcher, you need a solid understanding of research methodologies, data analysis, and user-centered design, often supported by a degree in psychology, HCI, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, and analytics platforms, as well as experience in conducting interviews and usability tests, is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and empathy help you connect with participants and collaborate effectively with design and product teams. These skills enable you to generate actionable insights that directly improve user experience and product success.

How does a part-time user researcher typically collaborate with product and design teams?

Part-time user researchers often work closely with product managers and designers to prioritize research initiatives and communicate user insights. Despite working fewer hours, they are expected to coordinate key research activities, such as usability testing or user interviews, within tight project timelines. Effective collaboration usually involves regular check-ins, sharing findings in accessible formats, and being proactive in aligning research goals with team objectives. This collaborative approach ensures user feedback is integrated into product decisions, even when the researcher is not present full-time.

What are the most commonly searched types of User Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of User Research jobs in California are:

Part Time User Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time User Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Design Researcher (Contract, Palo Alto)

Moon Creative Lab

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Moon is hiring a Design Researcher (Contractor) who is passionate, self-driven, and open to deepening their skills within Design/UX Research as well as expanding their skills in different areas within Design (e.g. Strategic Design, UX/UI, Product Design, etc.). The ideal candidate is infinitely curious, analytical, creative and experienced enough to adapt research methods to a new industry context quickly.

As a contractor, you will work with the Project Manager to define/refine and execute the scope of research across different stages of new initiative development for the project(s) at Moon.

This is a part-time contract role based in Palo Alto for an initial term of 3 months, requiring 20-28 hours per week.  This role may require travel as and when necessary to perform project tasks.  There is a possibility of contract extension based on the business needs and performance. Rate is $90 - 115 an hour.

What You'll Do at Moon 
  • Work closely with the Project Manager to define and execute research scope across new initiatives stages, for heavy industry-focused partnerships and collaborations.
  • Assist with/execute various aspects of research planning to address project goals, and business/product decisions.
  • Plan and execute desktop and market research, including but not limited to: trend analysis, competitive landscape, steeple/pestle  analysis, etc.
  • Plan and run qualitative research with key stakeholders, and subject matter experts to surface real operational, safety and commercial unmet needs.
  • Synthesize research and findings, identify key insights, and collaborate with the team to define implications for key project decisions.
  • Plan and run concept testing with key stakeholders, including validating emerging concepts against user/stakeholder needs and identifying industry constraints.
  • Join brainstorming sessions as needed, and be a thought partner to the team - expanding your thinking into different areas but bringing your unique POV/experience to the table (as both a researcher and beyond).
  • Assist in defining innovation opportunities based on the research for potential projects and working with the team to prioritize what can/should be done.
The Must-Haves 
  • 7+ years of experience with Design Research or UX Research background, with demonstrated qualitative methods.
  • A degree with course work relevant to Design, the Scientific Process/Methodology, the Human Condition (e.g. Product/Service Design, Psychology, Sociology, etc) OR relevant experience in Design Research, Strategic Design, or UX Research.
  • Ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, decision ready outputs.
  • Proactive, self-driven, comfortable working closely with a Project Manager in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
  • B2B research experiences
  • Proficiency in Google tools, Slack, Notion, Figma.
  • Business level English
The Nice-to-Haves 
  • Experiences in heavy industries (mining, energy, manufacturing, supply chain or similar) - domain knowledge is a plus but not a requirement.
  • Previous experience with Exploratory Research in early stage product development/new business creation.
  • Experience in proof of concept prototyping and iteration.
  • Experience with Quantitative Research Methodologies / Synthesis.
  • Experience experimenting AI tools effectively to conduct research.
  • Experience working in deep-tech / AI.
  • Experience working with a cross-cultural/international organization.
  • Experience in/understanding of other design areas (e.g. Solution/Product Design, Service Design, Brand Design, etc.).
  • Business level Brazilian Portuguese and/or Spanish.
Sounds Fun, Right?

If you identify with Moon's values and would like to contribute to our work, please submit your resume and optionally, a cover letter.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Moon Creative Lab is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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