UX Designer Salary in Gurnee, IL: $59,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Gurnee, IL earns a median $59,797/year (≈ $28.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $61,583 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected ux designer salary in Gurnee, Illinois, is set at $59,797, showcasing a notable contrast with the national median of $83,320, revealing a pay gap of around 28.23%. This discrepancy highlights the local market dynamics following the layoffs in the design sector during 2023. The local salary range projects from $34,682 at the entry-level (P10) to $92,685 at the upper echelon (P90). These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, reflect cost-of-living adjustments and the unique economic environment of Gurnee. With eight ux designers currently employed in the area, it appears that the local market is gradually stabilizing and adapting to the post-layoff landscape, paving the way for potential growth and further hiring opportunities.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,682 | $16.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,054 | $20.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,797 | $28.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,540 | $36.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,685 | $44.55 |
Median Salary Position
28.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,003 (2026 est.). At $59,797, the local median is 28.23% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gurnee UX Designer Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $59,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $60,707 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -28.23% less |
UX Designers in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $59,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.23% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $60,707.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee 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.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $59,797 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,583 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,002
2025 BLS Actual
$55,979
2026 Current Est.
$59,797
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Gurnee (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,979 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,875 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $43,002 (2021) to $55,979 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,875 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,873 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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) | $34,682 – $43,054 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,054 – $59,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,797 – $76,540 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,540 – $92,685 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Gurnee
The context in Gurnee, IL, paints a nuanced picture of the ux designer pay landscape, particularly when considering the cost of living index of 97.1, which is slightly below the national average. This lower index affects the actual purchasing power of salaries. Companies operating in the Gurnee area vary widely in compensation, with tech giants and unicorns generally offering higher pay compared to agencies or non-tech companies. Those seeking to maximize earnings should focus on building an impressive portfolio that highlights experience in not just product design but also in specialized roles such as research or design management, where pay potential can diverge significantly. Additionally, turning to freelance or contract opportunities can provide a path to increased earnings, especially in a market still finding its footing in the aftermath of significant layoffs. Understanding these nuances is essential for ux designers looking to thrive in Gurnee.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 $55,979 for ux designersin the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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