Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Collinsville, IL: $34,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,414 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,442 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,335) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the UX design field can be promising for new graduates in Collinsville, Illinois, where the projected entry-level UX designer salary is set at $34,414 in 2026. This starting figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $59,335, indicating potential challenges for new grads as they begin their careers. However, the upward trajectory is encouraging, with opportunities for salary growth as designers gain experience, moving up to $42,722 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median salary within three to five years. For those just embarking on their design careers, Collinsville offers a viable market, particularly for candidates equipped with a strong portfolio and proficiency in essential tools like Figma.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
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 Collinsville
Entry-level ux designers in Collinsville, IL typically start between $34,414 and $42,722 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,556 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,335 — 28.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Illinois of $85,000 represents just 246.99% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,414/year) in Collinsville. 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 Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,414 to $42,722, 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 Collinsville, 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 Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville'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 Collinsville is $57,556 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,414, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,970.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,106
2025 BLS Actual
$32,217
2026 Current Est.
$34,414
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Collinsville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,896 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,649 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,761 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,106 in 2021 to $32,217 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,761. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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 Collinsville
Employers in Collinsville seeking fresh talent often include local design agencies and product teams within established businesses rather than large tech giants. Smaller firms might prioritize versatility and creativity, looking for candidates who can handle a variety of projects. A solid educational background in design or a related field could enhance initial pay and opportunities. Graduates should also be aware of continuing education options, such as advanced degrees in Human-Computer Interaction, which can significantly boost their appeal to employers. In the early years, establishing a strong portfolio showcasing shipped projects is more critical than the degree alone. Given the bifurcation in the UX market—where larger tech firms offer higher pay but narrower roles compared to agencies with broader scopes—new grads should assess their priorities and career strategies carefully to navigate their path effectively.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Collinsville in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Collinsville?
Is user experience design school worth it in Collinsville?
What do new ux designers make right out of school in Collinsville?
How do I become a ux designer in Illinois?
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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 Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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