Brand Designer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a headquarters hub for global companies in sectors like finance, healthcare, and consumer goods. Demand for branding and creative strategy impacts salaries. Living costs influence salary bands.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$51,000 to $64,500

Average (per year)

$57,000

Entry-level brand designers in Chicago often find roles at start-ups or marketing agencies, leveraging the city's corporom the city's large corporate presence.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$65,000 to $87,000

Average (per year)

$76,000

Experience with finance clients or major consumer goods boosts earnings for mid-level designers at creative studios and or finance clients boosts earnings.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$88,000 to $112,000

Average (per year)

$99,000

Senior designers earn higher salaries in line with Chicago's cost of living by managing agency teams or leading Fortune n line with Chicago's cost of living.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$115,000+

Bonuses and profit sharing are often negotiated into compensation packages for lead and principal brand designers at globonuses and profit sharing.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

$28 - $42

per hour

Mid-level

$43 - $60

per hour

Senior

$61 - $90

per hour