Chief Design Officer Salary in Pennsylvania, United States
Pennsylvania places a Chief Design Officer's median pay at $136,250 a year. Some cities, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offer bonuses.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$96,000 to $123,000
Average (per year)
$109,250
Graduates in design roles may work with local agencies or manufacturing firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$124,000 to $148,000
Average (per year)
$136,250
With several years of experience, mid-level officers typically oversee creative teams.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$149,000 to $176,500
Average (per year)
$162,250
Senior design leaders manage cross-functional projects, often collaborating with Pittsburgh-based companies.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$177,000+
Principal officers typically hold executive roles in larger firms or oversee design strategy for multiple branches.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$51 - $66
per hour
Mid-level
$67 - $84
per hour
Senior
$85 - $104
per hour
The Pennsylvania median sits slightly below the national average for senior design executives. However, lower housing costs in many suburbs help stretch that salary further than in coastal hubs.