UX Designer Salary in Chicago, IL: $70,437 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Chicago, IL earns a median $70,437/year (≈ $33.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $67,993 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.1% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Amid the turbulence of post-2023 design layoffs, the UX designer salary in Chicago is projected to reach a median annual compensation of $70,437 by 2026, reflecting a resilient local market. Salary ranges in the Windy City are diverse, with entry-level positions earning around $47,629 and experienced designers earning up to $129,827. According to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, the compensation packages available showcase how Chicago has not only absorbed industry changes but is also poised for growth with a favorable salary landscape for UX designers. This adaptability highlights the continued demand for UX expertise in a variety of sectors, from tech giants to boutique agencies.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,629 | $22.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,660 | $28.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,437 | $33.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,985 | $50.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,827 | $62.41 |
Median Salary Position
15.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,198 (2026 est.). At $70,437, the local median is 15.46% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicago UX Designer Pay Compares
Chicago median: $70,437/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $60,669 | +16.10% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -15.46% less |
UX Designers in Chicago, IL earn a median of $70,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.46% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 16.10% above the Illinois state average of $60,669.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,437 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,993 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$61,600
2025 BLS Actual
$65,940
2026 Current Est.
$70,437
2021–2027 Growth
+22.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Chicago (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $61,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,437 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,241 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 7.0% from $61,600 (2021) to $65,940 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,641 (22.14%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $47,629 – $58,660 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,660 – $70,437 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,437 – $105,985 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,985 – $129,827 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Chicago
As of 2026, approximately 1,470 UX designers are employed in Chicago, indicating a stable demand for skilled professionals in the region. The cost of living index stands at 103.595, slightly above the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power. In terms of pay, employers from well-established tech companies like FAANG and Adobe tend to offer the most attractive salaries, often with additional benefits such as stock options. The differences in pay can be attributed to several factors, including the caliber of the company, specialty areas within UX design, and an individual's portfolio strength. For instance, experience in high-traffic applications can lead to higher compensation. To maximize their earnings, designers in Chicago should focus on building a strong portfolio, proving expertise in design systems, and exploring roles across both tech firms and consulting agencies to capitalize on the market's ongoing evolution.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 $65,940 for ux designersin the Chicago 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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