UX Designer Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $29.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Evanston, IL runs $29.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,338 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for a UX designer is $29.01. This figure is substantially below the national median of $40.06 per hour, presenting a unique scenario for professionals in this field. For those considering part-time work at three days per week, or even per-diem contracts, this rate translates into competitive, albeit modest earnings compared to larger markets. Entry-level designers can expect to earn approximately $16.82 per hour, while those at the top of their field may command around $44.96. The typical work environment for UX designers in Evanston often includes tech company design studios and remote collaborations using tools like Figma, with opportunities for freelance work in shared spaces or home offices that allow for flexibility alongside variable project demands.
About the Evanston 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) | $16.82 | $134.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.88 | $167.07 |
| Median (P50) | $29.01 | $232.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.13 | $297.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.96 | $359.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $29.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.01/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,815. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,160.49 | $5,029 | $60,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.30 | $3,017 | $36,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.20 | $2,012 | $24,138 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Evanston) | $29.01 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $60,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.58% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $60,703.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.01/hr = $36,207/year (purchasing power: $37,289).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,346/year (purchasing power: $62,148).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.01/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Evanston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Evanston grew 30.2% from $20.86/hr (2021) to $27.16/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.99/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
Part-time UX designers in Evanston who work 24 hours a week could make around $36,000 annually, which is a viable income but significantly less than a full-time UX designer's potential earnings. Those pursuing per-diem or contract roles find a wide range of pay rates; agencies typically bill between $75 and $150 per hour for various projects. Experienced product designers could see rates soar to $125-$250, while senior consultants at boutique firms may charge as much as $200-$400 an hour. Different employer types in Evanston also influence compensation structures—whether at high-profile tech companies, boutique design agencies, or in-house teams. While some designers might sacrifice higher hourly wages for the benefits of steady employment, practical negotiation skills can help secure better rates. It's crucial for professionals in this space to weigh immediate pay against long-term job security and benefits based on their employer type.
More salary data for Evanston, 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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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