Design Manager Salary in Hampshire, United Kingdom

Hampshire offers a median Design Manager salary of £43,500 per year. Aerospace firms and digital agencies operate locally.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

£32,000 to £38,000

Average (per year)

£35,000

Graduates start in marine, defense, or logistics firms, receiving salaries and structured training.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

£39,500 to £48,000

Average (per year)

£43,500

Progressing to this tier means managing larger teams or projects for architecture, engineering, or digital agencies.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

£48,500 to £57,000

Average (per year)

£53,000

Experienced managers lead multidisciplinary teams and develop strategy for Portsmouth's tech and maritime sectors.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

£58,000+

At this stage, leaders oversee portfolios or serve as department heads in established local employers.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

£17 - £25

per hour

Mid-level

£26 - £34

per hour

Senior

£35 - £44

per hour

Nationally, Design Managers earn around £48,000, so Hampshire sits slightly below the average. Lower housing prices offset the gap.