Chief Design Officer Salary in South Australia, Australia
In Adelaide, the median earnings for Chief Design Officers are A$163,750. Startups add equity on top. The role combines creative leadership with financial compensation.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$130,500 to A$150,000
Average (per year)
A$140,250
Assist senior designers in developing visual concepts, preparing presentations, and conducting design research.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$151,000 to A$176,500
Average (per year)
A$163,750
Oversee design strategy, lead cross‑functional teams, and ensure brand consistency across projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$177,500 to A$210,000
Average (per year)
A$194,000
Major employers offer higher salaries to senior Chief Design Officers who influence strategy and manage large-scale projers.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
A$210,500+
Leads enterprise-wide design strategy, mentors senior designers, and aligns product vision with business goals.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
A$74 - A$109
per hour
Mid-level
A$110 - A$149
per hour
Senior
A$150 - A$198
per hour
Nationally, Chief Design Officers average around A$170,000, placing South Australia slightly below the top tier. The cost of living in South Australia differs from that in Sydney and Melbourne.