Design Director Salary in Manchester, Stockport
Manchester hosts media, technology, and marketing firms. Salaries for Design Directors are influenced by agencies and in‑house teams.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
£42,000 to £56,000
Average (per year)
£49,000
Entry‑level Design Directors in Manchester work at creative agencies or in‑house at large firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
£57,000 to £69,000
Average (per year)
£63,000
At the mid-level, professionals lead teams or manage key projects, earning more as they take on responsibility for major Manchester clients.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
£70,000 to £88,000
Average (per year)
£79,000
Seniors oversee multiple teams or large‑scale brand work for Manchester's tech, media, and retail employers.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
£90,000+
Principal Design Directors at Manchester agencies and corporations receive higher salaries when managing national or international portfolios.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
£27 - £38
per hour
Mid-level
£39 - £56
per hour
Senior
£57 - £80
per hour