Chief Design Officer Salary in Auburn, California

Auburn, set in the Gold Country foothills, has fewer large employers and a lower cost of living than other California cities. Design executive roles are available at various companies. Remote work with Sacramento or Bay Area firms boosts top-end salaries.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$115,000 to $140,000

Average (per year)

$127,000

Entry salaries are modest.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$140,000 to $170,000

Average (per year)

$155,000

Mid-level pay reflects local and regional employer trends.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$170,000 to $200,000

Average (per year)

$184,000

Senior roles are rare.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$200,000+

Principal-level salaries reflect executive roles in longstanding regional businesses or remote work for larger companies.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

$60 - $85

per hour

Mid-level

$85 - $120

per hour

Senior

$120 - $160

per hour