Chief Design Officer Salary in Travis County
Travis County, home to Austin, is a major technology and creative hub. High demand from software, gaming, and hardware companies drives chief design officer salaries well above national averages.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$134,000 to $171,000
Average (per year)
$152,000
Chief design officers in Austin's early-stage startups and creative agencies see compensation driven by competition for ign leaders drives compensation.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$172,000 to $224,000
Average (per year)
$198,000
Oversee design strategy, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and ensure brand consistency across projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$225,000 to $280,000
Average (per year)
$252,000
Leads design strategy, oversees cross‑functional teams, and ensures brand consistency across products.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$281,000+
Equity and bonus packages often supplement the high base salaries found in principal-level positions at the largest techgh base salaries.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$67 - $95
per hour
Mid-level
$96 - $135
per hour
Senior
$136 - $180
per hour