Brand Designer Salary in Berkeley, California

Berkeley sits near Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Local employers include university departments, green startups, and nonprofit organizations. High housing and living expenses affect salaries.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$60,000 to $76,000

Average (per year)

$68,000

Assist senior designers in creating visual brand assets, mockups, and style guidelines.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$77,000 to $98,000

Average (per year)

$88,000

Designers with several years of experience often secure roles with tech startups or UC Berkeley-affiliated organizationss.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$99,000 to $122,000

Average (per year)

$110,000

Strong salaries are often commanded by senior talent leading branding for venture-funded tech or sustainability firms.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$123,000+

Six-figure salaries and above are typical for principal designers heading agency teams or brand strategy initiatives at y and above.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

$30 - $45

per hour

Mid-level

$48 - $75

per hour

Senior

$80 - $120

per hour