Design Director Salary in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Sterling Heights is shaped by its large manufacturing and automotive presence. Design director salaries are shown in the table above. The city is close to Detroit.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$69,000 to $88,000

Average (per year)

$78,000

Entry-level directors work with automotive suppliers or mid-sized agencies and earn competitive salaries.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$92,000 to $117,000

Average (per year)

$105,000

Mid-level professionals manage creative teams for manufacturing, defense, or logistics companies that operate in Sterling Heights.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$118,000 to $142,000

Average (per year)

$130,000

Senior directors oversee cross-department design initiatives and support large projects for major employers.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$147,000+

Principal directors manage creative strategy for multi-site operations and negotiate with automotive companies.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

$39 - $53

per hour

Mid-level

$57 - $73

per hour

Senior

$78 - $100

per hour