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User Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

User Research Assistant

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Pay Range: $27.71hr - $32.71hr Requirement/Must Have: * 2+ years of experience in user research or a related field. * Completion of a relevant college degree (branches of experimental psychology ...

Director of User Research, AEC

Claremont, CA ยท On-site

$184 - $329.12/hr

for Director, AEC User Research The Director, AEC User Research will lead the User Research function within the AEC User Success organization, part of the broader Experience Foundations team. This ...

About the Design and Research Team * We are willing to pick up any sports or try out new computer ... Has at least 1+ years of UX Research experience * Has successfully deployed quantitative and ...

New

User/customer research and feedback synthesis Evaluator Type: Contract Compensation: $80-$120/hour Location: Remote Role Responsibilities * Evaluate AI-generated artifacts against domain-specific ...

You must be passionate about user research, an exceptional communicator and be comfortable scaling your work from identifying new product opportunities, validating product concepts to running ...

Senior UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Mixed-Methods Research: Plan and execute both qualitative (interviews, observational studies) and quantitative (surveys, behavioral data analysis) user research to inform and validate the taxonomy.

Mixed-Methods Research: Plan and execute both qualitative (interviews, observational studies) and quantitative (surveys, behavioral data analysis) user research to inform and validate the taxonomy.

Director, UX Research

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$163.31 - $267.04/hr

Director, UX Research** to join the Customer Insights team at Collectors and lead our UX research function. This is an exciting time to join the growing collectibles space. This role will have the ...

UX Researcher We are looking for a UX Researcher II who will be responsible for joining a cross ... We use an iterative research and design approach in the lab and thus the ideal candidate will feel ...

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Showing results 1-20

User Research information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do user research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 user research?

User research is the process of understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through observation techniques, interviews, and other feedback methodologies. It helps product teams design better products by focusing on real user problems and preferences. User researchers gather and analyze data to inform the design and development process, ensuring that products are useful, usable, and valuable to the intended audience.

What is user research?

User research, sometimes referred to as user experience or UX research, aims to understand human needs, motivations, and behavior. In this field, you use a variety of task analysis, observation techniques, and other feedback methodologies to perform your research. You typically work on product design and testing of different elements to contribute to the development of products and services. You may use a variety of data sources at all levels of product development to help the user experience team ensure that a product is fun, intuitive, and accessible.

How do user researchers typically collaborate with product and design teams during a project?

User researchers work closely with product managers and designers throughout all stages of a project. Early on, they help define research questions and identify user needs, often participating in brainstorming sessions. During the design phase, they conduct usability tests and share findings to inform design decisions. Regular communication, workshops, and presenting actionable insights ensure that research outcomes are directly integrated into product improvements. This collaborative process helps maintain a user-centered approach and fosters strong cross-functional teamwork.

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

To thrive as a User Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, and a background in psychology, human-computer interaction, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like usability testing platforms, survey software (e.g., Qualtrics), and data analysis tools is typically required. Excellent communication, empathy, and collaboration skills help you effectively convey insights and advocate for user needs. These abilities ensure research findings drive informed design decisions and create user-centered products.

What is the difference between User Research vs User Experience Designer?

AspectUser ResearchUser Experience Designer
Primary FocusUnderstanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations through research methodsDesigning and improving the overall user experience, including interface and interaction design
Required SkillsQualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, user interviewsWireframing, prototyping, visual design, usability testing
Work EnvironmentResearch teams, UX departments, product teamsDesign teams, product teams, UX departments
Common UsageConducting user studies, surveys, interviewsCreating wireframes, prototypes, user flows

While both roles focus on improving user satisfaction, User Research primarily involves gathering insights about users, whereas User Experience Designers apply those insights to create and refine the overall user interface and experience.

How do I become a user researcher?

To become a user researcher, you typically need a background in psychology, human-computer interaction, or a related field, along with skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio of research projects, and learning tools like UserTesting or Optimal Workshop can be helpful. Many roles also value strong communication skills and familiarity with design or product development processes.

What is a user research job?

A user research job involves studying how users interact with products or services to gather insights that inform design and development. Professionals in this role conduct interviews, usability tests, and analyze data using tools like surveys and analytics platforms to improve user experience.

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

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

What job categories do people searching User Research jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for User Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for User Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most User Research job openings:

Infographic showing various User Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

User Research Assistant

Burbank, CA โ€ข On-site

CYNET SYSTEMS
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$27 - $32/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Overview:

Pay Range: $27.71hr - $32.71hr

Requirement/Must Have:

  • 2+ years of experience in user research or a related field.
  • Completion of a relevant college degree (branches of experimental psychology, human computer interaction, human factors, or related field).

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and execute research studies.
  • Support lead researchers in investigating game play behavior to uncover insights.
  • Support operational tasks including the setup of labs and procedures.
  • Administer each playtest in a non-biased manner.
  • Contribute to high-quality research reports that synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into clear, actionable insights for product, design, and engineering teams.
  • Support expert reviews (heuristic evaluations, UX audits, competitive assessments) to identify usability issues, experience gaps, and opportunities for improvement across game features, flows, or systems.
  • Clean and code qualitative and quantitative data for analysis.
  • Use survey tools to draft, distribute, and administer surveys.
  • Use database to search, filter, schedule and communicate with playtest participants.
  • Recruit the necessary amount and participant profile for each study.
  • Maintain the inventory of lab supplies, forecasting and updating when new stock is needed.
  • Special projects on occasion (Data entry, Recruiting events, Game teardowns, Documentation, etc.).

Nice to Have:

  • Experience using AI-powered transcription tools to convert video and audio recordings into accurate, searchable text for research, analysis, or documentation purposes.
  • Experience designing, configuring, or deploying custom agents using Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, or similar AI platforms to automate workflows, support research activities, or solve business challenges.
  • Familiarity with quantitative research methods, including data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and reporting of insights.
  • Experience troubleshooting PC or console hardware, software, or game build issues to ensure successful execution of playtests and a high-quality participant experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and research tools quickly and apply them effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Skills:

  • Comfortable speaking in front of groups with authority.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Comfortable with Office 365 tools, survey/data analysis tools, and databases.
  • Comfortable with using technology, setting up lab hardware, troubleshooting common device connectivity issues.
  • Knowledge of research design, qualitative, and quantitative methodologies.
  • Familiar with game design theory and development process for video games.
  • Able to adapt and learn quickly when faced with a large variety of problems.
  • Genuinely enjoy gaming in all forms.

Benefits
 
Our Benefits Include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
  • Supplemental Insurance Plans
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities
Disclaimer: Benefits eligibility, accrual rates, and usage limits may vary based on employment status, length of service, and work location. Paid Sick Leave is provided in strict accordance with applicable state and municipal mandates. Cynet Systems Inc. reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate any benefit plans at any time in accordance with applicable laws.

About Cynet Systems

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, Cynet Systems Inc. is a leading technology staffing and workforce solutions company serving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and enterprise organizations across the United States and Canada. We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and professional staffing, powered by a high-performing recruitment engine operating across North America and Asia.
As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Cynet Systems is committed to helping organizations build high-performing teams while empowering professionals to grow rewarding careers. Our organization is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 Type II standards, reflecting our commitment to quality, security, operational excellence, and customer success.

Cynet Systems logo

About Cynet Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cynet Systems Inc is a staffing and recruiting corporation nestled in Ashburn, VA, USA. Established in 2010, the company operates within the Information Technology and Services sector, specializing in providing effective workforce solutions to different business needs, including IT consulting, direct hire, and contract staffing services. Through the years, Cynet Systems has built an impressive portfolio, going beyond borders and expanding its operations internationally in Canada and India. Rooted in its core values of teamwork, leadership, and commitment, Cynet Systems helps businesses unlock their full potential by providing versatile and competent professionals that perfectly align with their needs. Fueled by their unwavering mission to deliver top-tier talent to businesses worldwide, Cynet Systems garnered various recognitions including SIA's fastest-growing staffing firms and Best Place to Work in Virginia for 2019.

Industry

It services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sterling, VA, US

Year founded

2010

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