Design Manager Salary in Wisconsin, United States
Design leadership salaries for mid‑level managers are around $79,000. Manufacturing firms in the surrounding region are part of the local economy.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$59,000 to $71,000
Average (per year)
$65,000
Recent graduates joining manufacturing or healthcare firms begin at this level.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$72,000 to $86,000
Average (per year)
$79,000
Employees with proven project experience earn salaries within this range.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$87,000 to $100,500
Average (per year)
$93,750
Design team supervisors in manufacturing firms earn these salaries.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$101,000+
Long‑term managers at regional corporate headquarters attain this tier.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$30 - $37
per hour
Mid-level
$38 - $47
per hour
Senior
$48 - $58
per hour
Nationally, design managers average around $92,000, placing Wisconsin below the overall mean. However, the state's lower cost‑of‑living lets the $79,000 median stretch further for everyday expenses.