Chief Design Officer Salary in Texas, United States
Design leader compensation in Austin includes six‑figure salaries. A median mid‑level chief design officer makes about $138,500 a year. Startups and corporations are part of the market.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$98,000 to $125,000
Average (per year)
$110,500
Assist senior designers in developing visual concepts, preparing presentations, and coordinating design projects.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$125,000 to $154,500
Average (per year)
$138,500
With several years of experience, mid-level candidates lead specialized teams at major employers or local manufacturing acturing companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$154,500 to $185,000
Average (per year)
$169,250
Senior leaders drive strategic design across chemical, energy, and healthcare sectors, blending management with hands-on creative direction.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$186,000+
At the principal level, executives oversee company-wide design initiatives at large employers and guide cross-disciplinary innovation.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$52 - $70
per hour
Mid-level
$71 - $92
per hour
Senior
$93 - $120
per hour
Austin's median sits above the national chief design officer average, which hovers near $120,000. Higher salaries are one factor in compensation considerations.