Senior UX Designer Salary in Moline, IL: $86,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ux designers working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,798/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-1255. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,390 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the upper echelons of UX design compensation in Moline, Illinois, is a journey marked by advanced skills and experience. For senior UX designers in 2026, the pay can vary greatly based on expertise, with the top earners (P90) earning as much as $86,798 annually, significantly higher than the broader median salary for experienced professionals, which stands at $55,998. The premium one can command in this market reflects the importance of specialization and a robust portfolio. Navigating this competitive landscape often requires a combination of technical mastery in tools like Figma and an ability to lead design strategies that influence product direction. Achieving such heights is possible but typically requires over seven years of dedicated experience and a strong personal brand within the design community.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced ux designers at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $71,677 and $86,798 per year (2026 est.). This $54,319 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $55,998 sits 32.79% below the US median.
Top UX Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $55,998 | $83,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,677 | $127,239 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,798 | $161,472 |
In Moline, experienced ux designers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top UX Designer Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL ux designers with additional specialty certifications within the user experience design field earn significantly above the $55,998 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
UX Designers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the user experience design field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,677–$86,798 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ux designers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ux designers in Moline with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
UX Designers in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
UX Designer Career & Wage Growth Path in Moline
Clinical UX Designer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead UX Designer
5-10 yearsUX Designer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #61 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner ux designer salary (90th percentile: $86,798).
Top 10% ux designer compensation in Moline ($86,798) is 26.07% below the Illinois average P90 ($117,401).
2021 BLS Actual
$67,811
2025 BLS Actual
$81,256
2026 Current Est.
$86,798
2021–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Salary Trajectory for UX Designers in Moline (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $67,811 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,996 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,153 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,717 | Projected |
Top-earning ux designers (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 19.8% from $67,811 in 2021 to $81,256 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $92,717 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Maximizing Your UX Designer Earnings in Moline
Compensation for senior UX designers in Moline can fluctuate significantly depending on their specialization and employer type. Fields like UX research, interaction design, and accessibility are known to command higher salaries, reflecting the market's increasing focus on comprehensive user experiences. Positions within major tech firms like FAANG, or renowned digital product agencies such as IDEO or Frog Design, tend to offer the most lucrative packages, integrating not only competitive salaries but also benefits like restricted stock units. In-house positions at non-tech companies may provide stability but generally lag in pay compared to the fast-paced environments seen in startups or consulting firms. Advancement within the UX field can take several distinctive paths—moving from senior designer to a principal role focuses on increasing design impact, while a shift toward management might lead to director or VP roles. Additionally, advanced degrees in human-computer interaction from respected institutions can enhance potential earnings, underscoring that portfolio quality remains paramount in landing desirable roles in Moline's evolving design scene.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ux designers make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher ux designer pay in Moline?
What certifications boost ux designer salary in Moline?
Can experienced ux designers make six figures in Moline?
How much does ux designer salary increase over time in Moline?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $81,256 for ux designers in the Moline metro area. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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