Okay, let’s calculate this. Ellie has 8+ years of experience in digital marketing, which is a highly sought-after skillset. Her location in Chicago, IL, is a major hub for marketing professionals. According to national averages, digital marketing specialists with her experience can earn between $80,000 and $110,000 per year. Considering the cost of living in Chicago, I'll adjust the estimate downward. A safe hourly rate for Ellie would be around $60-$80 per hour, but given her expertise and the demand for digital marketing professionals, I'll estimate around $120 per hour.