Chief Design Officer Salary in Milpitas, California
Milpitas sits at the edge of Silicon Valley and has a dense cluster of tech firms and electronics manufacturers. The cost of living is steep, and employers compete for design leadership. Competitive salaries are available for design executives.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$176,000 to $201,000
Average (per year)
$189,000
Entry-level pay reflects local living costs and proximity to Silicon Valley.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$201,000 to $236,000
Average (per year)
$218,000
Local tech firms and hardware manufacturers drive demand for mid-level earners.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$236,000 to $270,000
Average (per year)
$252,000
Extensive experience and the ability to lead global design teams drive senior salaries.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$270,000+
High pay for principal-level roles often stems from driving design strategy for major tech employers.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$90 - $110
per hour
Mid-level
$111 - $135
per hour
Senior
$136 - $165
per hour