Design Manager Salary in Erie County, New York
Erie County includes Buffalo and a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and education employers. Salaries reflect lower living costs than New York City. Design managers work for large institutions or regional agencies.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$61,000 to $76,000
Average (per year)
$68,500
Entry-level designers in Erie County join mid-sized manufacturing companies, local agencies, or regional architecture firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$77,000 to $94,000
Average (per year)
$85,500
Managers with experience handle projects for hospitals, universities, and logistics companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$95,000 to $114,000
Average (per year)
$104,500
Senior managers supervise teams and lead multi-year infrastructure projects for large employers in Buffalo and the surrounding region.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$116,000+
Principal-level leaders direct strategy for design divisions in major institutions, such as universities or health networks.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$32 - $44
per hour
Mid-level
$45 - $60
per hour
Senior
$61 - $82
per hour