Design Manager Salary in Washington, United States
The median earnings for design managers in Seattle are $90,500. Housing costs are high in the area.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$67,000 to $82,000
Average (per year)
$74,500
Entry-level Design Managers in Kirkland work for tech companies or startups and may support larger design teams.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$82,500 to $99,000
Average (per year)
$90,500
Mid-level managers with a few years of experience work for major employers or smaller SaaS firms.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$99,500 to $118,500
Average (per year)
$108,500
Senior Design Managers oversee cross-functional teams or complex product portfolios in Kirkland's tech sector.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$120,000+
Principal or Lead roles are found at global tech headquarters and fast-scaling enterprise firms in the Seattle metro.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$34 - $44
per hour
Mid-level
$45 - $58
per hour
Senior
$59 - $74
per hour
Nationally, design managers average around $85,000, placing Washington above the national average.