Design Manager Salary in Western Australia, Australia
Perth's design sector rewards mid-level managers with a median of A$105,500 annually. Mining firms and tech studios offer salaries.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$80,500 to A$97,000
Average (per year)
A$89,500
Entry-level managers in Mandurah join smaller teams and handle regional projects for construction, retail, and local government.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$98,000 to A$113,500
Average (per year)
A$105,500
Mid-level roles offer more responsibility and involve working with larger clients from Perth and local real estate firms.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$114,500 to A$129,500
Average (per year)
A$121,500
Senior Design Managers oversee multi-sector projects and work for regional branches of national firms.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
A$130,500+
Principal managers in Mandurah oversee infrastructure and public sector design projects.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
A$39 - A$49
per hour
Mid-level
A$49 - A$62
per hour
Senior
A$63 - A$79
per hour
Across Australia, design managers earn about A$95,000 on average. Perth's median sits roughly ten percent higher.