Design Manager Salary in Alabama, United States
In Birmingham, design leadership salaries have a median of $74,000. Companies such as Redstone and Envision operate in the area. The role provides a compensation package for experienced designers.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$55,000 to $67,000
Average (per year)
$60,500
Fresh graduates begin in smaller firms or university projects.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$67,000 to $80,000
Average (per year)
$74,000
Mid-career managers are hired locally.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$81,000 to $97,000
Average (per year)
$88,500
Senior managers work at engineering firms and local manufacturing companies.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$97,000+
Principal-level roles are found at large employers and government labs.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$28 - $35
per hour
Mid-level
$36 - $45
per hour
Senior
$45 - $56
per hour
At $74,000, Alabama sits below the national median for design managers, which hovers around $90,000. The lower cost of living helps offset the gap for local professionals.