Chief Design Officer Salary in Waukegan, Illinois
Waukegan is located between Chicago and Milwaukee. Salaries for design executives here often outpace rural Illinois but stay below downtown Chicago, with cost of living and commuter patterns shaping compensation.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$111,000 to $142,000
Average (per year)
$124,000
Assist senior designers in developing visual concepts, preparing mockups, and coordinating design assets.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$143,000 to $174,000
Average (per year)
$156,000
At this level, design executives oversee teams at regional tech startups, healthcare providers, or industrial firms, wit with pay reflecting increased responsibility.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$175,000 to $208,000
Average (per year)
$190,000
Many senior roles link to larger employers, supporting higher salaries.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$209,000+
Principal Chief Design Officers often work for the largest private companies in Lake County or commute to Chicago, commanding the region's top salaries.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$55 - $70
per hour
Mid-level
$71 - $93
per hour
Senior
$94 - $120
per hour