Design Manager Salary in Merced County, California
Merced County has a strong agricultural economy and several healthcare employers. Design Manager salaries here trend lower than in the Bay Area, reflecting local living costs.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$73,000 to $93,000
Average (per year)
$83,000
Entry-level Design Managers work in healthcare, education, or public-sector organizations and earn lower salaries than those in coastal California cities.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$94,000 to $111,000
Average (per year)
$102,000
Mid-level Design Managers work for local construction, government, or agriculture-related firms, and their salaries align with the local cost of living.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$112,000 to $129,000
Average (per year)
$120,000
Senior Design Managers oversee teams in regional hospital systems or expanding logistics companies.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$130,000+
Principal-level roles are linked to large public-works projects or major local institutions.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$35 - $50
per hour
Mid-level
$52 - $68
per hour
Senior
$70 - $90
per hour