Design Director Salary in Antrim and Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
Antrim and Newtownabbey sees design directors earning around £54,500 a year. Local aerospace and retail firms are located in an area with modest housing costs.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
£41,000 to £50,000
Average (per year)
£45,000
Many entry-level Design Directors start their careers in digital agencies or with manufacturing firms in the area.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
£50,000 to £59,000
Average (per year)
£54,500
Mid-level earnings are shaped by nearby tech firms and the close connection to Belfast's design community.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
£59,000 to £66,000
Average (per year)
£62,000
Senior positions typically include leading creative strategy for firms with multiple sites or regional offices.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
£66,000+
Principal and Lead Design Directors commonly work for large engineering and tech employers near Belfast International Ai Airport.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
£23 - £31
per hour
Mid-level
£31 - £38
per hour
Senior
£38 - £47
per hour
Nationally, design directors average about £60,000, so Antrim and Newtownabbey sits slightly below the UK mean.