Entry-Level UX Designer Salary in Lombard, IL: $34,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ux designers entering the Lombard, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,100 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-1255, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lombard's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,118 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,794) 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 Lombard, Illinois, can expect starting salaries around $34,100, which is notably below the city's median of $58,794. For those just beginning their careers, this creates a significant gap, indicating that while Lombard has opportunities, the initial pay may be modest compared to what more experienced designers earn. However, there is potential for growth, as entry-level designers can progress toward the 25th percentile earning of $43,498 within a few years, and ultimately aim for the median salary as they gain experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 6.82% for this job market, Lombard presents a reasonable environment for newcomers looking to establish themselves in UX design, despite the entry-level compensation being less than national averages.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lombard
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 Lombard
Entry-level ux designers in Lombard, IL typically start between $34,100 and $43,498 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,030 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,794 — 29.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average user experience design program cost in Illinois of $85,000 represents just 249.27% of the starting ux designer pay ($34,100/year) in Lombard. 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 Lombard
- 1Research the Lombard market: entry-level ux designer pay ranges from $34,100 to $43,498, 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 Lombard, 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 Lombard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lombard'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 Lombard is $57,030 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,100, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,130.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,895
2025 BLS Actual
$31,923
2026 Current Est.
$34,100
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Lombard (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,426 | Projected |
Entry-level ux designer compensation (10th percentile) in Lombard, IL grew 39.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,895 in 2021 to $31,923 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,426. New graduates entering the Lombard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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 Lombard
Major employers in Lombard that actively seek new graduates in the UX design space include both tech giants and digital agencies. Employers like Microsoft and Adobe often recruit from top design and HCI programs, facilitating smooth transitions from internships to full-time roles. Digital agencies tend to rely on portfolio reviews to gauge potential hires, making it essential for candidates to have strong design samples ready. Entry-level designers typically benefit from holding a Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field, with their portfolios often outweighing formal education in importance. For recent graduates, focusing on fluency in design tools such as Figma, alongside an understanding of design systems, can significantly enhance starting pay in Illinois. In the first few years, salaries can be somewhat stagnant; however, those who embrace freelance opportunities or pivot towards the growing design systems sector may find themselves with more lucrative options as the market continues to evolve following the recent wave of layoffs.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ux designers in Lombard in 2026?
How fast do ux designer salaries grow in Lombard?
Is user experience design school worth it in Lombard?
What do new ux designers make right out of school in Lombard?
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 Lombard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lombard 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