Design Director Salary in El Dorado County
El Dorado County sits near Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Local salaries reflect regional economic conditions.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$86,000 to $104,000
Average (per year)
$95,000
Tourism agencies, public sector employers, and small tech startups often hire entry‑level Design Directors.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$105,000 to $126,000
Average (per year)
$115,000
Mid‑level professionals often find positions at companies in the Sacramento area and with regional healthcare providers.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$127,000 to $148,000
Average (per year)
$137,500
Senior Design Directors oversee creative teams in established firms and provide design leadership to expanding tech offices.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$149,000+
Larger tech firms and government contractors in the region often offer principal‑level positions.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$42 - $52
per hour
Mid-level
$53 - $65
per hour
Senior
$66 - $80
per hour