UX Designer Hourly Pay in Northbrook, IL: $28.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Northbrook, IL runs $28.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Northbrook's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,914 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northbrook, Illinois, the projected hourly rate for a UX designer in 2026 stands at $28.78, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $40.06. This disparity suggests that UX designers in the area may face unique economic conditions, impacting their earning potential in various work settings. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to roughly $1,385 in weekly earnings, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexibility. Freelancers and per-diem workers navigating the Northbrook market may also find lucrative opportunities, with entry-level positions earning around $16.69 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $44.60 per hour. This wide range reflects the diverse skills and experience levels within the field, further influenced by the local environment, which includes tech company design studios, agency floors, and remote collaboration via Figma.
About the Northbrook 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) | $16.69 | $133.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.71 | $165.70 |
| Median (P50) | $28.78 | $230.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.83 | $294.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.60 | $356.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northbrook
Based on $28.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.78/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northbrook, IL can expect to earn approximately $59,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,533. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northbrook.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northbrook
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,151.09 | $4,988 | $59,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.66 | $2,993 | $35,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.44 | $1,995 | $23,943 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Northbrook) | $28.78 |
| 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 Northbrook, IL earn a median of $59,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.17% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $60,699.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.78/hr = $35,914/year (purchasing power: $36,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,857/year (purchasing power: $61,644).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.78/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Northbrook (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Northbrook grew 30.2% from $20.69/hr (2021) to $26.94/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.74/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 Northbrook 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 Northbrook
Evaluating the financial landscape, a part-time UX designer working 24 hours per week at the projected hourly wage would net around $67,055 annually compared to a full-time designer earning a base income that hovers around the median. Per-diem and contract designers in Northbrook may tap into higher earnings, with typical rates ranging from $75 to $150 per hour, especially when stepping into roles with design agencies or consulting firms. Notably, senior design consultants may earn as much as $400 per hour at boutique agencies. However, the trade-off between higher hourly wages and employment benefits such as health insurance complicates decisions for many UX designers. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the security of full-time positions, others pursue freelance opportunities for the potential of higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating their worth, understanding local market baselines and effectively showcasing their UX expertise are vital strategies in ensuring they receive competitive compensation in Northbrook’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 Northbrook. 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 Northbrook 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