UX Designer Salary in Normal, IL: $58,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Normal, IL earns a median $58,829/year (≈ $28.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $60,586 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for a UX designer in Normal, Illinois, stands at $58,829, significantly lower than the national average of $83,320. The local salary range varies widely, from $34,120 at the lower end (P10) to $91,185 at the upper end (P90). These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Following the tumultuous layoffs in the tech industry post-2023, the local job market for UX designers has adapted, showing resilience despite broader challenges. Eight UX designers currently work in Normal, indicating a niche but potentially vibrant community for design professionals.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,120 | $16.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,357 | $20.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,829 | $28.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,301 | $36.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,185 | $43.84 |
Median Salary Position
29.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,065 (2026 est.). At $58,829, the local median is 29.39% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Normal UX Designer Pay Compares
Normal median: $58,829/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $60,648 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -29.39% less |
UX Designers in Normal, IL earn a median of $58,829 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 $60,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $58,829 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,586 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$42,306
2025 BLS Actual
$55,073
2026 Current Est.
$58,829
2021–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Normal (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,306 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,182 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,999 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,841 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 30.2% from $42,306 (2021) to $55,073 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,841 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,535 (48.54%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $34,120 – $42,357 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,357 – $58,829 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,829 – $75,301 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,301 – $91,185 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Normal
With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, Normal, IL, presents a relatively affordable environment which positively impacts the take-home purchasing power of UX designers. While tech giants like FAANG and large corporate firms generally offer the highest pay, local employment opportunities in smaller digital product agencies and in-house teams could provide alternative pathways for growth. The disparity between salaries often reflects company scale, job specialization, and portfolio caliber, with designers who have experience in creating heavily-trafficked applications likely commanding premium rates. To maximize earnings in this market, focusing on building a diverse portfolio that showcases a blend of research and product design skills can be advantageous. Networking within the local design community, along with continuous skill enhancement, particularly in tools like Figma, can further elevate earning potential for UX designers in Normal.
More salary data for Normal, 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 $55,073 for ux designersin the Normal 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 Normal 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