Design Director Salary in Daly City, California
Daly City borders San Francisco. Design Director salaries are location-dependent. Commuting options exist.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$110,000 to $132,000
Average (per year)
$121,000
Starting out, Design Directors in Daly City support agencies handling Bay Area accounts or work for regional tech firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$133,000 to $166,000
Average (per year)
$147,000
Oversee design projects, mentor junior designers, and align visual strategy with business goals.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$167,000 to $198,000
Average (per year)
$182,000
Senior professionals manage design portfolios for companies serving San Francisco and Silicon Valley clients.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$199,000+
Leads strategic design vision, mentors senior teams, and drives cross‑functional product innovation.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$65 - $88
per hour
Mid-level
$89 - $120
per hour
Senior
$121 - $170
per hour