Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Bartlett, IL: $34,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Bartlett, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,549 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bartlett's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,581 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,566) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the UX design field in Bartlett, IL, can expect starting salaries around $34,549, with a realistic salary growth trajectory in their first few years that could see them earning closer to $42,887 as they gain experience. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $59,566, indicating a significant disparity that new graduates should consider when assessing their career options. The entry-level pay reflects a more challenging economic landscape post-2023; however, the projected annual growth rate of 6.82% suggests there is room for advancement as designers cultivate their skills and enhance their portfolios. Despite being at the lower end of the salary spectrum compared to national standards, this market offers potential for fresh talent to gradually ascend the income ladder as they navigate their early careers.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bartlett
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bartlett
Entry-level ux designers in Bartlett, IL typically start between $34,549 and $42,887 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,566 — 28.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Illinois of $85,000 represents just 246.03% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,549/year) in Bartlett. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect NASAD-accredited bachelor's programs in graphic design, interaction design, or human-computer interaction. Shorter UX bootcamps ($10k-$20k) are a common alternative entry pathway. SOC 15-1255 (Web and Digital Interface Designers) is the dedicated UX/UI code BLS introduced in 2018 — distinct from 27-1024 (Graphic Designers, $61,300 median) and 15-1254 (Web Developers).
UX Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bartlett
- 1Research the Bartlett market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,549 to $42,887, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the user experience design field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bartlett, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bartlett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bartlett's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
UX Designer Compensation Range
The ux designer wage spread in Bartlett is $57,779 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,549, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,328.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,197
2025 BLS Actual
$32,343
2026 Current Est.
$34,549
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Bartlett (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,197 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,935 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,009 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,905 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Bartlett, IL grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,197 in 2021 to $32,343 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,905. New graduates entering the Bartlett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your user experience design Career in Bartlett
For aspiring UX designers, opportunities in Bartlett can be found across a range of employers, including local tech companies, in-house product teams, and freelance platforms. While larger firms may offer more structured entry points via internship-to-hire pipelines, smaller agencies tend to prioritize portfolio quality in their hiring processes. New graduates should focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases a variety of projects, as this is often a deciding factor for employers. Keeping digital skills sharp, particularly in tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, is essential for increasing starting pay, especially in Illinois where credentials in design or related fields can be beneficial. The current job landscape suggests that while entry-level positions may come with lower salaries, designers specializing in dynamic areas such as design systems may find more lucrative opportunities. As graduates transition into their careers, a strategic approach to seeking diverse experiences could lead to enhanced salary growth and job satisfaction in the evolving UX design arena.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new user experience design graduates. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bartlett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlett is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ux designers (SOC 15-1255).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov