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User Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kanak Elite Services Inc

UX Researcher

Chicago, IL · On-site

Title - UX Researcher LOCATION: Hybrid - Chicago, IL Only Local Must have portfolio included Key Responsibilities : * Lead user research efforts across multiple product lines, including gathering and ...

ULINE

UX Researcher

Glenview, IL

UX Researcher Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 It's all about our customers! Our eCommerce team is committed to making Uline.com the easiest place to do business.

ULINE

UX Researcher

Waukegan, IL · On-site

UX Researcher Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 It's all about our customers! Our eCommerce team is committed to making Uline.com the easiest place to do business.

The Aspen Group

Senior UI/UX Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Conduct and synthesize user research to inform design decisions and identify user needs. * Develop and iterate on user personas, user journeys, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.

The Aspen Group

Senior UI/UX Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Conduct and synthesize user research to inform design decisions and identify user needs. * Develop and iterate on user personas, user journeys, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.

Vizient

Principal, R&D UI/UX Designer

Chicago, IL

$135K - $236K/yr

As Principal R&D UI/UX Designer, you'll define and drive the user experience strategy for next-generation healthcare platforms, focusing on emerging technology and intelligent design systems. You'll ...

Photon

Senior UI/UX Designer

Chicago, IL

Conduct user research, usability testing, and analysis to gather insights and inform design decisions. * Develop wireframes, prototypes, and user flows to visualize and communicate design concepts ...

Photon

Senior UI/UX Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Conduct user research, usability testing, and analysis to gather insights and inform design decisions. * Develop wireframes, prototypes, and user flows to visualize and communicate design concepts ...

Sidley

User Experience Lead

Chicago, IL

$120K - $161K/yr

Conduct and oversee user research, usability testing, and other validation methods to inform design decisions and prioritize features. * Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and ...

Unlock Health

UX/UI Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$172K/yr

You'll collaborate closely with strategists, researchers, developers, and stakeholders to create intuitive, accessible digital experiences rooted in user insight and aligned to business goals. From ...

Keypixel Software Solutions

UX Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Required Skills: * UX Research & User Interviews * Usability Testing & Card Sorting * Wireframing & Prototyping * Figma / Adobe Creative Suite * Agile / Lean UX * Design Thinking & Information ...

New

Unlock Health

UX/UI Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$172K/yr

You'll collaborate closely with strategists, researchers, developers, and stakeholders to create intuitive, accessible digital experiences rooted in user insight and aligned to business goals. From ...

NextRow Digital

UX Designer

Chicago, IL

... user research planning and execution to identify user needs, goals, and preferences, and collect feedback to incorporate into deliverables Deliver concepts on paper, wireframes, or detailed ...

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All JobsUser Researcher JobsUser Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL

User Researcher information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$116.5K

$169.5K

How much do user researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for user researcher in Chicago, IL is $116,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between User Researcher vs UX Designer?

AspectUser ResearcherUX Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields; research experienceBachelor's in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related; design portfolio
Work EnvironmentResearch teams, product teams, user testing labsDesign teams, product teams, prototyping labs
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, agencies, startupsTech companies, agencies, startups
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, skills, and responsibilitiesUnderstanding design roles, skills, and responsibilities

While both User Researchers and UX Designers focus on improving user experience, User Researchers primarily gather insights through research methods to inform product decisions. UX Designers create the visual and interactive aspects of products, translating research findings into design solutions. Both roles often collaborate closely but serve distinct functions within the product development process.

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 a background in human-centered design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and often a degree in psychology, HCI, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as usability testing platforms, survey software, data analysis tools, and sometimes UX research certifications is common. Strong communication, empathy, and analytical thinking are vital soft skills for uncovering user needs and translating findings into actionable insights. These competencies ensure that digital products are designed to meet real user needs, ultimately driving user satisfaction and business success.

How does a user researcher typically collaborate with product and design teams during a project?

User Researchers play a key role in bridging the gap between users and the teams building products. They frequently work alongside product managers and designers, sharing insights from user interviews, usability tests, and surveys to inform design decisions. In agile environments, User Researchers often participate in sprint planning and review meetings, ensuring that user feedback is integrated at every stage of the development process. Effective collaboration requires clear communication and the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations, helping teams prioritize features and improvements that best meet user needs.

What is a user researcher?

User Researchers are professionals who study how people interact with products, services, or systems to help organizations create user-friendly designs. They gather and analyze data about users’ needs, behaviors, and pain points through methods like interviews, surveys, usability tests, and observation. Their insights guide product teams in making informed design decisions, ensuring products are both functional and enjoyable to use. User Researchers often collaborate closely with designers, developers, and product managers throughout the development process.

What does a user researcher do?

As a user researcher, your responsibilities are to understand the needs of an end user and collect user experience, or UX, data related to a specific product or service. To collect data, you observe and test users’ behavior as they interact with a product or service, such as a website or an app. You may also set up focus groups to elicit responses from participants. Your other duties are to analyze your findings and make suggestions to, or collaborate with, designers and programmers to improve the product’s UX.

More about User Researcher jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of User Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of User Researcher jobs in Chicago, IL are:

User Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various User Researcher job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,603 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

UX Researcher

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Title – UX Researcher

LOCATION: Hybrid - Chicago, IL Only Local

Must have portfolio included 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead user research efforts across multiple product lines, including gathering and analyzing data through lab studies, ethnography, surveys, and customer feedback.
  • Collaborate with Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers to identify and prioritize research opportunities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, creating executive summaries, journey maps, personas, and user flows.
  • Advocate for user-centered design practices, ensuring insights drive the development of intuitive and impactful digital experiences.

Why This Role?

  • Work on complex digital products: Gain exposure to challenging projects that influence the user experience of enterprise-level applications and solutions.
  • Professional development: Work alongside industry leaders in UX research and design, gaining valuable experience in a globally recognized, forward-thinking organization.
  • Impact: Directly shape products that serve millions of users worldwide, contributing to a seamless and effective user experience.

Candidate Requirements:

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in UX Research or similar roles, with proven expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Technical Skills (Required):

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in user research, including conducting unmoderated interviews.
  • Experience working on complex digital applications such as eCommerce or enterprise management software.
  • Proven ability to synthesize user data and present insights to multi-level stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with tools like UserTesting, Miro, Dovetail, Airtable, and other research platforms.

Soft Skills (Required):

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence design practices across teams.
  • Proactive problem-solving mindset, with the ability to provide actionable recommendations.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.

Thanks & Regards,

YOGITA

✉️ Yogita@kanakits.com