VP of Design Salary in Illinois, United States
Chicago's design leaders earn a median of $152,000 annually. The figure reflects demand from firms in the area. Salaries are influenced by cost of living.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$118,500 to $140,000
Average (per year)
$129,000
Recent graduates and new managers in Bloomington start at regional design firms or insurance companies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$140,500 to $165,000
Average (per year)
$152,000
Mid-level VPs at software businesses and larger marketing agencies have higher salaries.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$165,500 to $190,000
Average (per year)
$178,250
Senior VPs lead teams for financial services or insurance sector employers.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$191,500+
Executives with extensive experience earn high salaries at local or regional corporate headquarters.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$60 - $77
per hour
Mid-level
$78 - $98
per hour
Senior
$99 - $127
per hour
Illinois outpaces the national median by roughly $20,000. Higher living costs in Chicago help drive the gap.