Chicago vs DeKalb: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Chicago, IL and DeKalb, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | DeKalb, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,437▲ | $58,389 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.86▲ | $28.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,629▲ | $33,865 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,660▲ | $42,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,985▲ | $74,738 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,827▲ | $90,503 |
| Total Employed | 1,470▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between Chicago and DeKalb is $12,048 (20.63%). Chicago's median is -15.46% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $82,198,DeKalb spans $56,638. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($67,993 effective) pays 13.07% more than DeKalb ($60,133 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,827)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,993)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Chicago grew 7.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.8% growth in DeKalb over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$61,600 (2021) → $65,940 (2025)
DeKalb, IL
$89,326 (2024) → $54,661 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
DeKalb, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Chicago or DeKalb?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and DeKalb?
Should I relocate from Chicago to DeKalb as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Chicago vs DeKalb?
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Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov