How to Become a UX Researcher (And What UX Researchers Actually Do)
Want to become a UX researcher? Learn what the job involves, how to build a portfolio, and download a 30‑day beginner roadmap to launch your UX research career.
“UX research is how design starts making sense.”
If you’ve ever wondered how companies figure out what users really want — meet the UX researcher.
You don’t need to be a designer.
You don’t need to know code.
You just need curiosity, empathy, and a clear roadmap.
In this guide, you’ll get:
What UX researchers actually do every day
A beginner-friendly roadmap to break into the field
Real career path visuals and salary data
A free 30‑Day UX Research Starter Kit PDF
What Does a UX Researcher Actually Do?
“We connect user needs to product decisions.”
— UX researcher, Reddit (r/UXResearch)
Daily Breakdown:
🧍♀️ Interview users
📊 Analyze behaviors and feedback
🗺️ Map insights into product flows
📑 Present findings to design & product teams
🔄 Help iterate on prototypes or live features
It’s part psychology, part product strategy — and all about people.
Is UX Research a Good Career?
Yes, especially in 2025.
UX research salaries range from $86k–$113k in the US
Demand is growing rapidly as companies prioritize user insights
No formal design degree is required
💡 People with psychology, writing, marketing, and sociology backgrounds often thrive here.
How to Become a UX Researcher in 5 Steps
Learn the Foundations
Key methods: user interviews, surveys, usability testing, A/B tests
Tools: Maze, Dovetail, Lookback, Google Forms
Recommended: Read Think Like a UX Researcher and practice notetaking with friends
Practice Your Research Skills
Conduct mock interviews
Run surveys for friends’ small businesses
Try testing landing pages (e.g., Unbounce, Typedream, Framer)
Build a Portfolio
Start with:
1 user interview project (with research goals)
1 usability study (with results + takeaways)
1 comparative analysis of two digital products
💡 Tip: Use Notion or Google Slides. Focus on clarity, not aesthetics.
Network and Apply
Post your projects on LinkedIn with reflection threads
Join communities: r/UserExperience, UX Mastery Slack, Hexagon
Reach out to junior UXers for real insights
Grow Into the Role
Entry-Level: UX Research Intern or Associate
Mid-Level: UX Researcher or UX Analyst
Senior: Lead Researcher or Research Ops
Strategic: Research Manager → Research Strategist
📊 Visual: See the UX research career path chart in the image gallery above
A Day in the Life of a UX Researcher
“I start the morning with a stand-up. Then prep for interviews. Spend afternoons reviewing clips and making slides.”
— KendoClub (Reddit)
Morning
Sync with design/product
Run user interviews
Afternoon
Analyze findings
Write reports
Present insights
Tools used: Dovetail, FigJam, Zoom, Notion, Slack
FAQ
Q: Do I need a design degree to be a UX researcher?
A: No. Curiosity, empathy, and structured thinking matter more.
Q: What are the most important skills?
A: Listening, pattern recognition, storytelling, and a basic grasp of testing tools.
Q: What should I include in a UX research portfolio?
A: A brief, methods used, insights, and your recommendations — clearly structured.
Q: How do I test if UX research is right for me?
A: Start with user interviews. If you're fascinated by what people say and do, you’re on the right path.
