ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Industrial Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$64,514/yr
Typical range: $62,146 – $75,953
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Industrial Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Industrial Designer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $64,514 | $5,376 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,693 | $6,641 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,813 | $7,484 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,463 | $8,539 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,822 | $11,069 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $161,664 | $13,472 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,874 | $14,073 | +162% |
Current Salary
$64,514
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $31/hr
Next Level Target
$79,693
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Industrial Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Industrial Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $65K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Industrial Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $65K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $31/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Industrial Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Industrial Designer in Chicago, IL earns $119K–$145K/yr.