Head of Design Salary in Australian Capital Territory, Australia
In the Australian Capital Territory, a Head of Design earns a median of A$148,000 per year. The ACT includes government, defence, and tech employers. The figure reflects a blend of public‑sector pay scales and private‑sector market rates.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$110,000 to A$135,000
Average (per year)
A$122,000
New Heads of Design in Canberra may be employed by government agencies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$135,000 to A$165,000
Average (per year)
A$148,000
Design leaders with several years of experience work in federal departments or large consultancies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$165,000 to A$205,000
Average (per year)
A$182,000
Senior-level roles may involve directing teams for national projects or enterprise-scale digital services.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
A$205,000+
Principal Heads of Design with a decade or more experience work in agencies serving government or policy-driven tech firms.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
A$80 - A$120
per hour
Mid-level
A$120 - A$175
per hour
Senior
A$175 - A$260
per hour
The median A$148,000 sits above the national average for comparable roles, which hovers around A$130,000. The city offers higher salaries alongside modest, rising living expenses.