Design Director Salary in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
In Bordeaux, design leadership salaries are around €52,000 per year. Mid‑level roles have distinct cost considerations. Recruiters note regional industry ties.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
€39,500 to €47,000
Average (per year)
€43,000
Entry-level roles can be found in small creative studios and tourism-focused agencies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
€47,500 to €56,000
Average (per year)
€52,000
Mid-level directors manage projects for local retail, food, and hospitality businesses.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
€57,000 to €67,000
Average (per year)
€61,500
Senior roles are present in Bayonne's established firms, including those handling cross-border or high-end accounts.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
€67,500+
Principal-level directors in the region may work with international clients.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
€28 - €40
per hour
Mid-level
€40 - €61
per hour
Senior
€64 - €81
per hour
Nationally, design directors average around €58,000, so Nouvelle‑Aquitaine sits slightly below the French mean.