Creative Director Salary in San Mateo, California
San Mateo is located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Salary levels for Creative Directors vary locally.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$85,000 to $110,000
Average (per year)
$97,000
Entry-level Creative Directors in San Mateo work with tech startups, media companies, and digital agencies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$110,000 to $145,000
Average (per year)
$126,000
Mid-level roles manage branding and design for software firms, fintech companies, and established Bay Area organizations.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$145,000 to $180,000
Average (per year)
$163,000
Senior Creative Directors here guide multi-channel creative teams for tech and media firms.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$180,000+
Principal-level positions oversee creative departments at Silicon Valley companies or national agencies with a local office.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$55 - $80
per hour
Mid-level
$80 - $120
per hour
Senior
$120 - $180
per hour