Design Manager Salary in Cupertino, California
Cupertino hosts the headquarters of Apple. High cost of living and competition influence design manager salaries.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$110,000 to $132,000
Average (per year)
$121,000
New design managers join tech companies, supporting digital product teams or hardware design divisions.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$132,000 to $155,000
Average (per year)
$143,000
At companies such as Apple, mid-level managers oversee projects and direct UX or industrial design teams.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$155,000 to $185,000
Average (per year)
$167,000
Senior design managers oversee large teams, coordinate product launches, and manage global product lines.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$185,000+
Principal managers define design direction for business units, mentor multiple teams, and contribute to industry practices.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$55 - $68
per hour
Mid-level
$68 - $82
per hour
Senior
$82 - $105
per hour