Chief Design Officer Salary in Modesto, California
Modesto balances agriculture and logistics with a smaller tech sector than nearby Bay Area cities. Chief Design Officers earn solid salaries, but levels trail Silicon Valley due to lower living costs and fewer large-scale employers.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$116,000 to $158,000
Average (per year)
$134,000
Assist senior designers in developing visual concepts, preparing presentations, and coordinating design assets.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$158,000 to $202,000
Average (per year)
$181,000
Pay increases for mid-level Chief Design Officers with several years of experience, particularly within regional healthcthcare or food production companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$202,000 to $247,000
Average (per year)
$224,000
Leads design strategy, oversees cross‑functional teams, and ensures brand consistency across products.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$247,000+
The highest local executive packages are often earned by Principal Chief Design Officers at top firms or subsidiaries ofexecutive packages.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$60 - $90
per hour
Mid-level
$90 - $130
per hour
Senior
$130 - $180
per hour