UX Designer Salary in Elgin, IL: $69,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Elgin, IL earns a median $69,809/year (≈ $33.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $71,894 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.0% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median ux designer salary in Elgin, IL reaches $69,809, reflecting a local market that offers a wide range of compensation from $40,489 at the 10th percentile to $108,204 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level statistics and adjusted for regional prices, positions Elgin's salaries about 16.22% lower than the national median of $83,320. For designers in this city, the balance between independent contractor versus management career paths plays a significant role; while management tracks may offer stable pay, independent contributors often find themselves at the higher end of the salary spectrum. In the relatively small market of Elgin, understanding these dynamics is crucial for professionals aiming to maximize their earnings as they navigate their career trajectories.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,489 | $19.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,262 | $24.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,809 | $33.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,356 | $42.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,204 | $52.02 |
Median Salary Position
16.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,715 (2026 est.). At $69,809, the local median is 16.22% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin UX Designer Pay Compares
Elgin median: $69,809/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $60,703 | +15.00% more |
| National Average | $83,320 | -16.22% less |
UX Designers in Elgin, IL earn a median of $69,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.22% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 15.00% above the Illinois state average of $60,703.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $69,809 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,894 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$50,202
2025 BLS Actual
$65,352
2026 Current Est.
$69,809
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Elgin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $50,202 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,352 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,570 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $50,202 (2021) to $65,352 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,368 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $40,489 – $50,262 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,262 – $69,809 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,809 – $89,356 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,356 – $108,204 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Elgin
Currently, Elgin employs about 16 ux designers, highlighting a niche but potentially growing market, particularly in light of the recent tech industry fluctuations. The local cost-of-living index at 97.1 suggests that salaries here stretch slightly further than in many larger cities, although they remain modest compared to national figures. To maximize ux designer pay in Elgin, candidates should explore positions at tier-1 tech companies, which tend to offer superior compensation packages, often enhanced with competitive benefits like stock options. Focusing on building a robust portfolio featuring high-impact projects can drive higher salary offers, while those with specialized skills in design systems may command even better rates. As the market adjusts post-2023 layoffs, opportunities in freelance roles and consulting work may also provide flexibility and potentially lucrative pay for those willing to diversify their skill sets.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 $65,352 for ux designersin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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