Design Director Salary in Montgomery County, Ohio
Montgomery County includes the city of Dayton. Design Directors' wages in the area are influenced by project size and market conditions.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$78,000 to $93,000
Average (per year)
$85,500
Entry-level Design Directors work at Dayton-based manufacturers or service firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$93,000 to $109,000
Average (per year)
$101,000
Mid-level roles may have higher compensation, reflecting the presence of employers in logistics, aerospace, and healthcare.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$109,000 to $128,000
Average (per year)
$118,000
Senior Design Directors earn the most at large corporate offices, defense contractors, or healthcare systems, reflecting the scale of projects and team size.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$128,000+
Principal or Lead designers manage design strategy for major institutions or multi-state operations.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$44 - $58
per hour
Mid-level
$58 - $74
per hour
Senior
$74 - $92
per hour