Design Manager Salary in Travis County
Travis County, anchored by Austin, is a major tech and creative hub with a high cost of living. Design managers earn competitive salaries in Texas, influenced by competition from large technology firms and national architecture studios.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$75,000 to $90,000
Average (per year)
$82,500
Austin is home to tech giants, creative agencies, and fast-growing startups.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$91,000 to $110,000
Average (per year)
$100,000
Mid-level design managers work on software, consumer products, and large-scale construction projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$111,000 to $130,000
Average (per year)
$120,000
Senior design managers oversee teams in technology, architecture, and advanced manufacturing.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$132,000+
Principal roles manage multi-disciplinary departments in Fortune 500 or high-growth public companies.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$40 - $50
per hour
Mid-level
$51 - $65
per hour
Senior
$66 - $82
per hour