UX Designer Hourly Pay in Rockford, IL: $28.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ux designer working in Rockford, IL runs $28.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,185 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1255). Weighted against Rockford's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,114 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rockford, Illinois, the UX designer hourly pay reaches a median of $28.94, which significantly lags behind the national median of $40.06. This rate provides insight into the earning potential for part-time UX designers working in tech-related environments that often emphasize collaborative tools like Figma. For those employed three days a week, they can anticipate earnings around $1,053 per week, assuming a 24-hour work period. The hourly range for UX designers in the area spans from $16.78 at the entry-level to $44.85 for top earners, reflecting a variety of experience levels within Rockford's design landscape. This is crucial for freelancers and part-time workers who must factor in both their hourly earnings and the potential for varied income streams or project-based work.
About the Rockford Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($95,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
UX Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.78 | $134.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.83 | $166.64 |
| Median (P50) | $28.94 | $231.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.03 | $296.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.85 | $358.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockford
Based on $28.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.94/hr, a ux designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockford, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,725. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rockford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.50 | $5,016 | $60,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.50 | $3,010 | $36,114 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.00 | $2,006 | $24,076 |
Compare UX Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| UX Designer (Rockford) | $28.94 |
| Graphic Designer (National Avg) | $29.14 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.07 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $55.79 |
UX Designers in Rockford, IL earn a median of $60,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.77% lower than the national median of $83,320 and 0.80% below the Illinois state average of $60,670.
UX Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.94/hr = $36,114/year (purchasing power: $37,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,190/year (purchasing power: $61,988).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$23.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.94/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+32.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for UX Designers in Rockford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ux designers in Rockford grew 15.8% from $23.40/hr (2021) to $27.09/hr (2025). At a 6.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ux designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rockford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly UX Designer in Rockford
Exploring the financial implications of part-time work, a UX designer working a 24-hour week may realize an annual income of roughly $54,756, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. Freelance or contract professionals often engage at higher rates, billing per diem at around $75-$150 hourly for project work, and experienced product designers may command even more at $125-$250 hourly. The market in Rockford could feel the impact of employer type on rates; tech giants pay differently compared to agencies and in-house teams. Many designers face a trade-off when accepting lower hourly wages for salary positions that offer benefits, such as health insurance. For those in the area, negotiating hourly rates effectively—emphasizing skill and portfolio work—can be essential for navigating these varied opportunities and maximizing income potential in both freelance and dedicated roles.
More salary data for Rockford, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ux designers in Rockford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rockford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ux designers (SOC 15-1255).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov