UI Designer Salary in Illinois, United States
Illinois offers UI designers a median salary of $67,500 per year. Chicago has a concentration of fintech startups and advertising agencies.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$48,000 to $60,000
Average (per year)
$54,250
Large tech firms and creative agencies in Chicago hire junior UI designers.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$61,000 to $75,000
Average (per year)
$67,500
E‑commerce and fintech are expanding sectors in Chicago, and many designers work at corporate headquarters.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$76,000 to $90,000
Average (per year)
$82,500
Senior designers lead teams in advertising, SaaS, or healthcare industries.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$91,000+
UI designers at this level work for large firms and consultancies.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$24 - $34
per hour
Mid-level
$34 - $47
per hour
Senior
$47 - $62
per hour
Nationally, UI designers earn around $75,000, so Illinois sits slightly below the average. Many suburbs have lower housing costs.