UX Designer Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $28.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Aurora, IL runs $28.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,954 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, UX designers earn a median hourly pay of $28.81, significantly lower than the national median of $40.06 per hour. This rate reflects the typical compensation for part-time workers, who may find themselves working three days a week, or around 24 hours per week, providing a moderate income while balancing other commitments. For those seeking per-diem opportunities within tech company design studios, agency environments, or even freelance settings, the hourly pay ranges from $16.71 for entry-level roles to as much as $44.65 for experienced professionals. This range indicates a solid earning potential despite the area's generally lower cost of living index, estimated at 97.1. The figures presented here are derived from 2026 salary projections based on 2025 BLS data, showcasing the dynamic landscape of UX design salaries in the region.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.71 | $133.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.74 | $165.96 |
| Median (P50) | $28.81 | $230.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.87 | $294.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.65 | $357.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $28.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.81/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $59,923 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,571. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.37 | $4,994 | $59,923 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.42 | $2,996 | $35,954 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.95 | $1,997 | $23,969 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Aurora) | $28.81 |
| Graphic Designer (National Avg) | $29.14 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.07 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $55.79 |
UX Designers in Aurora, IL earn a median of $59,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.08% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $60,647.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.81/hr = $35,954/year (purchasing power: $37,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,923/year (purchasing power: $61,713).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.81/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Aurora (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Aurora grew 30.2% from $20.72/hr (2021) to $26.97/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ux designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly UX Designer in Aurora
An in-depth look at part-time earning potential reveals that a UX designer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $33,730 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earning prospects. For contract or per-diem UX designers in Aurora, billing rates can be much higher, especially for those with established expertise, who might command $75-$150 per hour, while seasoned product designers could attract fees between $125-$250 per hour. Interestingly, consultants in boutique firms may see rates ranging from $200 to $400 per hour, illustrating the wealth of opportunities available depending on one's experience and specialization. Employers vary significantly, from tech giants to startups and freelance gigs, leading to different hourly rates based on the type and nature of work. Many designers must weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly wages with health benefits and higher ones without them. For those negotiating in Aurora, understanding the regional pay scale and articulating the value of one’s skills—especially in hot areas like design systems and research—can make a significant difference.
More salary data for Aurora, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ux designers in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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