UX Designer Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $58,832 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $58,832/year (≈ $28.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $60,589 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, Illinois, the 2026 median annual salary for UX designers is projected at $58,832, positioning it significantly below the national median of $83,320. The local market offers a salary range from $34,123 to $91,190, reflecting a diverse landscape influenced by the structural choices of employers. UX designers in the area can find opportunities across a spectrum of organizations, including FAANG companies, digital agencies, and in-house teams, each affecting compensation variably. As local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments suggest, the job market in Carol Stream shows competitive potential, but candidates should carefully consider the nuances of each employment pathway.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,123 | $16.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,573 | $20.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,832 | $28.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,305 | $36.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,190 | $43.84 |
Median Salary Position
29.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,067 (2026 est.). At $58,832, the local median is 29.39% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream UX Designer Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $58,832/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $60,652 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -29.39% less |
UX Designers in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $58,832 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.39% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $60,652.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $58,832 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,589 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$42,308
2025 BLS Actual
$55,076
2026 Current Est.
$58,832
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Carol Stream (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,308 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,003 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,832 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,845 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $42,308 (2021) to $55,076 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,845 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,537 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,123 – $43,573 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,573 – $58,832 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,832 – $75,305 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,305 – $91,190 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Carol Stream
While there are only 10 UX designers actively employed in Carol Stream, the market dynamics present opportunities for both growth and professional development. The cost of living index in the area stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which can greatly influence take-home purchasing power. Among the various employment sectors, tech companies often provide the highest compensation packages, particularly for those specializing in product design or holding robust portfolios that showcase experience with successful, heavily-trafficked applications. The disparity in UX designer pay is often driven by factors like company tier, the specialization of skills, and regional demand; those with a focus on design systems may have enhanced job prospects as the industry places increasing emphasis on this area. To maximize earnings, candidates should consider aligning their skill sets with in-demand specializations and strive for roles within top-tier companies while leveraging their Figma proficiency to navigate this competitive market effectively.
More salary data for Carol Stream, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,076 for ux designersin the Carol Stream metropolitan area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carol Stream 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