UX Designer Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $27.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Galesburg, IL runs $27.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,541 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galesburg, Illinois, UX designers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.68, which contrasts significantly with the national median of $40.06. This difference highlights the financial dynamics for professionals in this field, particularly impacting those who may work part-time or freelance. For example, a UX designer working three days a week could comfortably structure their income based on this hourly rate, tailoring their work schedule within tech company design studios or while collaborating remotely using Figma. The hourly range for this profession in Galesburg spans from $16.06 for entry-level positions to $42.89 for top earners, reflecting various skill levels and employer types. While the local pay may seem modest compared to national standards, it aligns with regional cost-of-living factors, allowing some flexibility for those entering the field or seeking freelance opportunities in coworking spaces.
About the Galesburg 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) | $16.06 | $128.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.92 | $159.38 |
| Median (P50) | $27.68 | $221.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.42 | $283.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.89 | $343.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $27.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.68/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $57,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,212. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,107.08 | $4,797 | $57,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.25 | $2,878 | $34,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.83 | $1,919 | $23,027 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Galesburg) | $27.68 |
| 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 Galesburg, IL earn a median of $57,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.92% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $60,653.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.68/hr = $34,541/year (purchasing power: $35,573).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,568/year (purchasing power: $59,288).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$19.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.68/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Galesburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Galesburg grew 30.2% from $19.90/hr (2021) to $25.91/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.56/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 Galesburg 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 Galesburg
From a broader perspective, part-time UX designers working 24 hours a week at the local rate would earn an estimated annual income substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. Many who pursue per-diem or contract roles in Galesburg can charge upwards of $75-$150 per hour, depending on their experience. Those stepping into product design roles might find themselves earning $125-$250 per hour, while senior consultants can demand rates that reach the $200-$400 range. The variation in hourly pay often correlates with employer type; tech giants and established digital product agencies tend to offer more competitive wages compared to smaller firms or startups. Some UX designers might prefer lower hourly rates from companies providing beneficial health insurance, while others may opt for contract work, trading benefits for higher pay. Negotiation skills will be essential in Galesburg, where understanding market rates and showcasing your skills can help secure fair and competitive compensation.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ux designers in Galesburg in 2026?
How much do part-time ux designers make in Galesburg?
Are ux designers in Galesburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ux designer make per year in Galesburg?
Do ux designers earn more per hour working part-time in Galesburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Galesburg. 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 Galesburg 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