UX Designer Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IL: $28.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Bloomington, IL runs $28.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,862 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $28.30 for UX designers in Bloomington, Illinois, professionals in this field can expect to earn significantly less than the national median of $40.06 per hour. This hourly wage allows for diverse work arrangements, making it attractive for part-time schedules—such as three days a week—which may lead to a comfortable work-life balance while still offering a steady income. The hourly range for UX designers in this region spans from $16.42 for entry-level positions to as high as $43.86 for highly experienced designers, providing opportunities for both novice and seasoned professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the evolving landscape of remote work arrangements, typical in tech company design studios, digital product agencies, and freelance home offices that are prevalent in Bloomington.
About the Bloomington 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) | $16.42 | $131.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.37 | $162.96 |
| Median (P50) | $28.30 | $226.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.22 | $289.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.86 | $350.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $28.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.30/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IL can expect to earn approximately $58,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,956. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,131.86 | $4,905 | $58,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $679.12 | $2,943 | $35,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.75 | $1,962 | $23,543 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Bloomington) | $28.30 |
| 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 Bloomington, IL earn a median of $58,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.35% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $60,683.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.30/hr = $35,314/year (purchasing power: $36,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,857/year (purchasing power: $60,615).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$36.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.30/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Bloomington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Bloomington grew -28.0% from $36.78/hr (2021) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.23/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Evaluating the earning potential of a part-time UX designer who works 24 hours a week reveals a take-home income that could approximate $35,520 annually versus the prospects of a full-time role. Interestingly, per-diem and contract opportunities in the Bloomington area might allow UX professionals to command rates between $75 and $150 per hour, depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of the projects. Senior design consultants at boutique firms could bill as high as $200 to $400 per hour, underscoring the financial incentives of specialized skills in a competitive marketplace. Hourly compensation can vary widely across different employer types, from tech giants like Uber to in-house teams at non-tech firms or design consultancies, affecting how designers approach negotiations. Some may prefer the security of a lower hourly rate that includes health benefits while others might chase higher earnings without safety nets if they choose to work independently. For those looking to secure a better hourly rate, developing a strong portfolio and networking within Bloomington's tech community can serve as effective strategies.
More salary data for Bloomington, 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 Bloomington. 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 Bloomington 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