TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level UX Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$84,563/yr
Typical range: $80,421 – $98,889
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
UX Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
UX 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 | $84,563 | $7,047 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,460 | $8,705 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,725 | $9,810 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $136,295 | $11,358 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $184,048 | $15,337 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $230,807 | $19,234 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $242,496 | $20,208 | +187% |
Current Salary
$84,563
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$104,460
Junior · 2
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
53/100
Moderate
+20% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level UX Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level UX Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $85K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level UX Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $85K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior UX Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior UX Designer in Chicago, IL earns $156K–$192K/yr.