Design Director Salary in DuPage County

DuPage County is located near Chicago and has a healthcare sector. Salaries reflect local market conditions for design leaders. Employers in retail, technology, and manufacturing hire design talent.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$92,000 to $110,000

Average (per year)

$101,000

New Design Directors work for regional agencies or manufacturing firms and receive competitive salaries.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$111,000 to $135,000

Average (per year)

$123,000

Designers with several years in leadership join local healthcare systems, logistics companies, or tech consultancies.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$136,000 to $160,000

Average (per year)

$148,000

Senior Directors oversee larger creative teams in DuPage.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$161,000+

Principal-level earners hold senior roles and lead multi-disciplinary teams.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

$44 - $55

per hour

Mid-level

$56 - $70

per hour

Senior

$71 - $90

per hour