UX Designer Salary in Rockford, IL: $60,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ux designer in Rockford, IL earns a median $60,185/year (≈ $28.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Once you factor in Rockford's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $61,982 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation landscape for UX designers in Rockford, Illinois reflects a local market adapting in the wake of significant layoffs in the design sector post-2023. With a median annual salary of $60,185, Rockford’s pay is notably lower than the national average of $83,320, indicating the area’s unique economic conditions. The salary spectrum ranges from $34,907 at the 10th percentile to $93,286 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for variation based on experience, specialty, and the type of employer. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and factor in regional cost adjustments, highlighting a vital but challenging employment scenario for local designers as the market absorbs recent fluctuations.
About the Rockford Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,907 | $16.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,333 | $20.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,185 | $28.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,036 | $37.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,286 | $44.85 |
Median Salary Position
27.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rockford
In Rockford, IL, the ux designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,379 (2026 est.). At $60,185, the local median is 27.77% below the national median of $83,320.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rockford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rockford UX Designer Pay Compares
Rockford median: $60,185/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rockford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $60,670 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $83,320 | -27.77% less |
UX Designers in Rockford, IL earn a median of $60,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.77% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.80% below the Illinois state average of $60,670.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rockford 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.
Rockford, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A ux designer earning $60,185 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,982 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$48,680
2025 BLS Actual
$56,342
2026 Current Est.
$60,185
2021–2027 Growth
+32.1%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Rockford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,289 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rockford metropolitan area, the median ux designer salary grew 15.7% from $48,680 (2021) to $56,342 (2025). At a 6.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,609 (32.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford 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) | $34,907 – $43,333 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,333 – $60,185 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,185 – $77,036 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,036 – $93,286 |
UX salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ux designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
UX Designer Job Market in Rockford
The job market for UX designers in Rockford currently employs around 34 individuals, illustrating a small but concentrated industry presence. With a cost of living index of 97.1, Rockford offers a more affordable environment compared to national averages, which directly impacts take-home purchasing power. Premium salaries are likely found within tech companies and larger consultancies, where established firms can afford to offer higher compensation packages. The disparity in pay is driven by various factors, including company tier—where FAANG and unicorn employers typically pay more than startups or non-tech firms—as well as the designer’s specialty, portfolio strength, and career trajectory, impacting both base compensation and potential equity rewards. To maximize pay in Rockford, professionals should focus on building strong portfolios, seeking specialized roles in high demand, and networking to access opportunities with better-paying employers as the local market continues to evolve.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 $56,342 for ux designersin the Rockford 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 Rockford 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