Chief Design Officer Salary in Ontario, Canada
Chief Design Officer earnings have a median of C$139,000 in Ontario. Toronto firms offer equity incentives to employees. Mid‑level designers see salary growth as firms expand.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
C$103,500 to C$124,000
Average (per year)
C$113,250
In Ajax, entry-level design officers often join satellite offices of Toronto-based companies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
C$125,000 to C$155,000
Average (per year)
C$139,000
Support for design teams at tech and healthcare firms is typical for mid-level roles.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
C$153,000 to C$181,500
Average (per year)
C$167,500
Larger companies with connections to Toronto's tech industry often employ senior officers.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
C$181,000+
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
C$55 - C$72
per hour
Mid-level
C$73 - C$95
per hour
Senior
C$96 - C$125
per hour
Nationally, Chief Design Officers earn around C$125,000, so Ontario sits above the average. The gap coincides with Toronto's cost of living.