Design Manager Salary in Kitchener, Ontario

Kitchener hosts employers such as Google and Vidyard. Design manager salaries in the region are above the Ontario average. The cost of living remains lower than Toronto, so salary goes further.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

C$73,500 to C$87,000

Average (per year)

C$80,500

Startups and mid-sized tech firms hire entry-level managers with backgrounds in digital product design.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

C$90,000 to C$106,000

Average (per year)

C$98,000

The Waterloo Region's tech sector creates demand for mid-level skills.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

C$108,000 to C$128,000

Average (per year)

C$118,000

Senior managers lead multi-disciplinary teams at large software companies and receive compensation.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

C$130,000+

Principal design leaders at global tech firms and scale-ups occupy senior roles.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

C$36 - C$43

per hour

Mid-level

C$44 - C$53

per hour

Senior

C$54 - C$62

per hour