Chief Design Officer Salary in Hawthorne, California
Hawthorne is home to aerospace and automotive companies like SpaceX and Tesla. Salaries reflect the city's proximity to Los Angeles and its higher cost of living. Design leaders here often work in high-tech or manufacturing environments.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$136,000 to $158,000
Average (per year)
$146,000
Solid starting salaries are common for early career design leaders in Hawthorne working with tech startups or aerospace s.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$159,000 to $186,000
Average (per year)
$172,000
Oversee design strategy, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and ensure brand consistency across projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$187,000 to $221,000
Average (per year)
$201,000
Higher compensation is reached by senior leaders who oversee larger teams at manufacturing giants or aerospace firms.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$222,000+
Salaries for veteran design executives at corporate headquarters or top employers in Hawthorne often reach the mid $200,0s and above.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$65 - $75
per hour
Mid-level
$76 - $95
per hour
Senior
$96 - $120
per hour