Chief Design Officer Salary in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Design leadership salaries in Hawke's Bay have increased. Mid‑level chief design officers earn about NZ$111,000. This figure reflects current market conditions.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$80,000 to NZ$98,000
Average (per year)
NZ$89,000
In Napier, entry-level chief design officers often work in the wine and tourism industry or small local firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$98,000 to NZ$124,000
Average (per year)
NZ$111,000
Responsibility for heritage projects, events, or regional marketing typically falls to mid-level positions.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$124,000 to NZ$148,000
Average (per year)
NZ$136,000
Design for city initiatives or export-focused agribusinesses is led by senior chief design officers.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$148,000+
Usually linked to public sector leadership or major Hawke's Bay employers, principal-level roles are rare.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
NZ$42 - NZ$60
per hour
Mid-level
NZ$60 - NZ$90
per hour
Senior
NZ$90 - NZ$120
per hour
Nationally, chief design officers average around NZ$125,000, so Hawke's Bay sits slightly below the top tier.