Design Director Salary in Grafton County, New Hampshire

Grafton County is anchored by Dartmouth College. Design directors work in higher education, health services, and regional tech startups. Wages are influenced by academic institutions and research partnerships.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$80,000 to $97,000

Average (per year)

$88,500

New hires work with Dartmouth-affiliated startups or local healthcare systems, handling small teams or serving as sole contributors.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$97,000 to $117,000

Average (per year)

$106,000

Directors move into university, technology, or hospital projects that require broader creative oversight.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$117,000 to $137,000

Average (per year)

$126,000

Senior directors supervise multiple design teams, supporting both academic and private sector initiatives.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$137,000+

Principal leaders guide creative strategy, often consulting on cross-disciplinary projects.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

$54 - $74

per hour

Mid-level

$74 - $104

per hour

Senior

$104 - $152

per hour