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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Specialist in Illinois is $88,006 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Design Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Design Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,937 | $8,078 | $1,864 | $47 |
| Average | $88,006 | $7,334 | $1,692 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,838 | $6,736 | $1,555 | $39 |
Signarama - Champaign, IL
Stanley Consultants - Chicago, IL
Woods Basement Systems Inc - Collinsville, IL
SIGNARAMA - Champaign, IL
A Design Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $61,407 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $71,949 |
| Design Sp... Level Design Specialist | $87,349 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $107,870 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $126,812 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Design Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Design Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Design Specialist positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $114,407 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $105,607 | $51.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $101,207 | $49.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $98,566 | $47.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $95,046 | $46.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Design Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $96,937 | $8,078 | $1,864 | $47 |
| Average | $88,006 | $7,334 | $1,692 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,838 | $6,736 | $1,555 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Design Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Relativity ODA LLC
Chicago, IL
Relativity ODA LLC | Chicago, IL
A technology company in the legal sector is looking for a Certification Specialist to lead exam development initiatives, ensuring exams are valid and relia... more
9 Days Ago
Butler America Aerospace L.L.C.
Chicago, IL
Butler America Aerospace L.L.C. | Chicago, IL
A prominent aerospace company is seeking a Product Design Definition Support specialist for a remote role.The ideal candidate will have extensive experienc... more
9 Days Ago
Federal government of the United States
Chicago, IL
Federal government of the United States | Chicago, IL
A federal government agency is seeking a Social Media / Web Design Specialist to manage social media and develop web content.The role requires extensive ex... more
7 Days Ago
Williams-Sonoma
Oak Brook, IL
Williams-Sonoma | Oak Brook, IL
Design Studio Specialist. You will inspire customers to express themselves in their home. You will bring the shopping experience to a seamless close as you... more
5 Days Ago
Williams-Sonoma
Skokie, IL
Williams-Sonoma | Skokie, IL
Design Studio Specialist. You will inspire customers to express themselves in their home. You will bring the shopping experience to a seamless close as you... more
9 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
LA PLATA, MD
SimVentions, Inc | LA PLATA, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a technology solutions company serving U.S. Department of Defense and federal customers, is seeking a Design Engineer (Electrical). In t... more
9 Days Ago
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