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Principal Ux Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BetterUp

Principal UX Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$230K - $320K/yr

We're looking for a Principal UX Researcher, to serve as the most senior researcher on the Product Design team, reporting directly to the VP of Design . This role will define BetterUp's research ...

Autodesk

Principal UX Researcher

Novi, MI · On-site

As a Principal Experience Design Researcher, you will lead research that helps shape this future ... Experience researching multi-stakeholder environments or complex user ecosystems * Familiarity with ...

Autodesk

Principal UX Researcher

Portland, OR · On-site

As a Principal Experience Design Researcher, you will lead research that helps shape this future ... Experience researching multi-stakeholder environments or complex user ecosystems * Familiarity with ...

Autodesk, Inc.

Principal UX Researcher

Portland, OR · On-site

As a Principal Experience Design Researcher, you will lead research that helps shape this future ... Experience researching multi-stakeholder environments or complex user ecosystems * Familiarity with ...

Swoon

Principal UX Designer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$72/hr

Now hiring: Principal UX / App Designer We are supporting a major airline client seeking a ... research teams to deliver user-centered digital experiences. Responsibilities include: • ...

Blink UX

Senior UX Researcher

Columbus, OH

$115K - $130K/yr

Advanced knowledge of user experience design principles and practices, with a focus on how ethnographic principles influence effective user experiences * Advanced understanding of current research ...

Blink UX

Senior UX Researcher

Wilmington, DE

$115K - $130K/yr

Advanced knowledge of user experience design principles and practices, with a focus on how ethnographic principles influence effective user experiences * Advanced understanding of current research ...

Blink UX

Senior UX Researcher

Wilmington, DE

$115K - $130K/yr

Advanced knowledge of user experience design principles and practices, with a focus on how ethnographic principles influence effective user experiences * Advanced understanding of current research ...

Blink UX

Senior UX Researcher

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Advanced knowledge of user experience design principles and practices, with a focus on how ethnographic principles influence effective user experiences * Advanced understanding of current research ...

Blink UX

Senior UX Researcher

Columbus, OH

$115K - $130K/yr

Advanced knowledge of user experience design principles and practices, with a focus on how ethnographic principles influence effective user experiences * Advanced understanding of current research ...

Allied Solutions LLC

UX Researcher

Carmel, IN · On-site

A UX Researcher solves complex problems with simple, elegant solutions. They plan research activities, conduct both qualitative and quantitative research methods, analyze the results, and translate ...

Tamus

UX Researcher

College Station, TX · On-site

Job Title UX Researcher Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Marketing and Communications Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff About Texas ...

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All JobsPrincipal Ux Researcher Jobs

Principal Ux Researcher information

See salary details

$29K

$117.6K

$227.5K

How much do principal ux researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal ux researcher in the United States is $117,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a UX designer make 300k?

While some senior UX designers or principal UX researchers can reach salaries of $300,000 or more, such compensation typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, leadership roles, and working at large or high-paying companies. Salary levels vary based on location, industry, and individual expertise, with top-tier professionals often earning in this range through bonuses and stock options.

What does a Principal UX Researcher do?

A Principal UX Researcher leads user experience research initiatives to inform and shape product strategies. They design and conduct complex research studies, synthesize findings, and provide actionable insights to cross-functional teams. Additionally, Principal UX Researchers mentor other researchers, set best practices, and help define the overall research vision for the company. Their work ensures that products are user-centered and meet both business and customer needs.

Is UX research still in demand?

UX research remains a highly sought-after role as companies prioritize user-centered design to improve products and services. Demand is driven by the need for skills in user testing, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like usability testing platforms and analytics software, making it a stable career choice in the tech and digital industries.

How does a Principal UX Researcher typically collaborate with product and design teams during the development process?

A Principal UX Researcher works closely with product managers, designers, and engineers to ensure user insights are integrated throughout the product development lifecycle. They often lead cross-functional workshops, translate research findings into actionable recommendations, and advocate for user-centered design decisions. Their seniority allows them to mentor junior researchers and influence strategic project direction, ensuring that user needs remain a priority from ideation to launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal UX Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal UX Researcher, you need deep expertise in user research methodologies, data analysis, and human-centered design, usually supported by an advanced degree in psychology, HCI, or a related field. Familiarity with research tools like UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, and analytics platforms, as well as experience with prototyping and survey software, is highly valued. Strong soft skills such as leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and persuasive communication help drive research impact and mentor junior team members. These skills ensure research insights are actionable, user needs are prioritized, and organizational goals are effectively aligned with user experience strategies.

What is the difference between Principal Ux Researcher vs Senior Ux Researcher?

AspectPrincipal Ux ResearcherSenior Ux Researcher
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Design, Psychology, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's; significant research experience
Work EnvironmentLeads large projects, influences strategy, collaborates across teamsConducts research, supports project teams, mentors juniors
Industry UsageUsed in tech, finance, healthcare for senior research rolesCommon in similar industries for experienced researchers

The Principal Ux Researcher typically holds more experience, leads strategic initiatives, and influences product direction, whereas the Senior Ux Researcher focuses on conducting research, supporting projects, and mentoring junior staff. Both roles are vital in user experience teams but differ mainly in scope and leadership responsibilities.

Is AI replacing UX research?

AI is transforming UX research by automating data analysis and user behavior prediction, but it does not replace the need for human researchers. Principal UX Researchers still play a critical role in designing studies, interpreting insights, and understanding user context that AI tools cannot fully replicate. Combining AI with traditional research methods enhances efficiency and depth of user understanding.

Is UI/UX still in demand in 2026?

UI/UX design remains in high demand in 2026, as companies prioritize user-centered digital experiences. Principal UX Researchers and related roles are expected to see continued growth due to increasing reliance on digital products, with skills in user research, prototyping, and design tools being highly valued.
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Principal Ux Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Ux Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,556 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Principal UX Researcher

Principal UX Researcher

BetterUp

Arlington, VA • On-site

$230K - $320K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Let's face it, a company whose mission is human transformation better have some fresh thinking about the employer/employee relationship.
We do. We can't cram it all in here, but you'll start noticing it from the first interview.
Even our candidate experience is different. And when you get an offer from us (and accept it), you get way more than a paycheck. You get a personal BetterUp Coach, a development plan, a trained and coached manager, the most amazing team you've ever met (yes, each with their own personal BetterUp Coach), and most importantly, work that matters.
This makes for a remarkably focused and fulfilling work experience. Frankly, it's not for everyone. But for people with fire in their belly, it's a game-changing, career-defining, soul-lifting move.
Join us and we promise you the most intense and fulfilling years of your career, doing life-changing work in a fun, inventive, soulful culture.
If that sounds exciting-and the job description below feels like a fit-we really should start talking.
We're looking for a Principal UX Researcher, to serve as the most senior researcher on the Product Design team, reporting directly to the VP of Design. This role will define BetterUp's research vision and practice-establishing the methodologies, governance, and strategic frameworks that ensure user insights shape product decisions at every level. You'll partner across Product, PMM, and the Labs behavioral insights team to connect foundational research to business outcomes, while mentoring researchers and design partners across the organization.
What you'll do:
  • Define and evolve BetterUp's UX research practice: establish research methodologies, quality standards, tooling, and governance frameworks that scale across the product organization
  • Drive strategic research that informs company-level product strategy, partnering directly with the VP of Design, Product leadership, and the executive team to identify high-leverage opportunities
  • Lead foundational and generative research programs that uncover unmet user needs, validate market opportunities, and shape multi-quarter product roadmaps
  • Partner cross-functionally with PMM, the Labs behavioral insights team, and Product to synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights that influence go-to-market strategy and product direction
  • Represent UX Research as the discipline's voice in executive forums, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions-ensuring research has a seat at the table for critical decisions
  • Build and scale research operations: evaluate and select research tools and vendors, define participant recruitment strategies, establish research repositories, and create self-serve research capabilities for the broader organization
  • Mentor and coach researchers and design partners across the team, raising the bar on research craft and building organizational research fluency
  • Establish governance frameworks and best practices for responsible AI usage in research processes, including AI-augmented analysis, synthesis, and participant experience
  • Key partners: Product Management, Product Marketing (PMM), Labs (Behavioral Insights), Engineering, Data Science

If you have some or all of the following, please apply:
  • 12+ years of experience in UX research, design research, or a closely related field, with 6+ years operating at a senior or staff level of scope and impact
  • Deep expertise across the full spectrum of research methodologies-qualitative and quantitative, generative and evaluative, behavioral and attitudinal
  • Demonstrated track record of leading research that directly shaped product strategy and business outcomes at an organizational level
  • Experience defining and scaling a research practice, including establishing processes, tooling, governance, and research operations
  • Exceptional ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources into clear, compelling narratives that drive executive-level decision-making
  • Strong cross-functional partnership skills, with experience influencing Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Data Science stakeholders
  • Experience mentoring and developing researchers at various career stages
  • Excellent communication and storytelling skills-you make research accessible, memorable, and actionable for any audience

AI at BetterUp
Our team thrives at the intersection of human expertise and AI capability. As an AI-forward company, adaptation and continuous learning are part of our daily work. We're looking for teammates who are excited to evolve alongside technology - people who experiment boldly, share their discoveries openly, and help define best practices for AI-augmented work. These professionals thoughtfully integrate AI into their work to deliver exceptional results while maintaining the human judgment and creativity that drives real innovation. During our interview process, you'll have opportunities to showcase how you harness AI to learn, iterate, and amplify your impact.
As a Principal UX Researcher, you'll:
  • Mobilize and align multiple functions to retire low-value research practices, scale AI-enabled research workflows, and focus teams on the few moves that create outsized impact. Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on AI strategy for research, modeling resilience, cultivating change confidence, and positioning BetterUp as an industry pace-setter for continuous reinvention through AI.
  • Shape company-wide AI strategy for research in partnership with executive leadership, ensuring alignment with business objectives
  • Remove institutional barriers to AI adoption in research practices and drive cultural change that embraces continuous reinvention
  • Serve as BetterUp's foremost expert in UX research, with recognized external influence on how AI transforms the research discipline

We encourage all candidates to share examples of how they've used AI tools in their work-whether it's AI-powered analysis platforms, generative research tools, or automated synthesis workflows. We view AI fluency as a complement to craft, not a replacement for it.
Benefits:
At BetterUp, we are committed to living out our mission every day and that starts with providing benefits that allow our employees to care for themselves, support their families, and give back to their community.
  • Access to BetterUp coaching; one for you and one for a friend or family member
  • A competitive compensation plan with opportunity for advancement
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible paid time off
  • Per year:
    • All federal/statutory holidays observed
    • 4 BetterUp Inner Work days (https://www.betterup.co/inner-work)
    • 5 Volunteer Days to give back
    • Learning and Development stipend
    • Company wide Summer & Winter breaks
  • Year-round charitable contribution of your choice on behalf of BetterUp
  • 401(k) self contribution

We are dedicated to building diverse teams that fuel an authentic workplace and sense of belonging for each and every employee. We know applying for a job can be intimidating, please don't hesitate to reach out - we encourage everyone interested in joining us to apply.
BetterUp Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, BetterUp Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
At BetterUp, we compensate our employees fairly for their work. Base salary is determined by job-related experience, education/training, residence location, as well as market indicators. The range below is representative of base salary only and does not include equity, sales bonus plans (when applicable) and benefits. This range may be modified in the future.
The base salary range for this role is $136,450 - $231,650.
We value your privacy. Your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you have any questions about the privacy of your personal data or your rights with regards to your personal data, please reach out to support@betterup.co
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