Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Gurnee, IL: $34,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Gurnee, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,682 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gurnee's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,718 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,797) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the UX design field in Gurnee, Illinois, the starting salary can vary significantly. New graduates in 2026 can expect an entry-level UX designer salary in Gurnee to begin around $34,682, which is well below the city's median annual salary of $59,797. This indicates a notable gap that new designers may need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the initial 3 to 5 years, entry-level UX professionals can see upward movement to approximately $43,054 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median as they build their portfolios. Given these figures and the projected growth rate of 6.82% annually for this field, Gurnee demonstrates a manageable market for new graduates, especially for those willing to invest in skill development and networking.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gurnee
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 Gurnee
Entry-level ux designers in Gurnee, IL typically start between $34,682 and $43,054 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,003 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,797 — 28.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Illinois of $85,000 represents just 245.08% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,682/year) in Gurnee. 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 Gurnee
- 1Research the Gurnee market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,682 to $43,054, 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 Gurnee, 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 Gurnee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gurnee'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 Gurnee is $58,003 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,682, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,685.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,286
2025 BLS Actual
$32,468
2026 Current Est.
$34,682
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Gurnee (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,286 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,035 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,468 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,048 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Gurnee, IL grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,286 in 2021 to $32,468 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,048. New graduates entering the Gurnee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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 Gurnee
In Gurnee, various employers actively seek out new talent in the UX design space, and opportunities vary broadly. While tech giants often recruit from well-known HCI or design programs, local firms and digital agencies are increasingly scouting entry-level designers through project-based portfolios. Major tech companies might provide solid internship-to-offer pipelines, while design agencies may focus on innovative and varied project scopes that appeal to a diverse range of skills. To boost starting pay in IL, candidates commonly pursue degrees related to design or HCI, while proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite can enhance job prospects—an effective portfolio is the critical element here. Considering the bifurcated nature of the UX design role today, new designers often face choices between high-paying opportunities in FAANG companies versus more varied roles in consulting firms. Realistic salary growth for the first few years is contingent upon skill acquisition, network connections, and the ability to showcase completed projects effectively.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 Gurnee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gurnee 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