Head of Design Salary in Northern Territory, Australia
In Darwin, a Head of Design earns a median of A$117,000 per year. That figure reflects the blend of government projects and tourism-focused agencies in the market. Living costs stay modest compared with Sydney, affecting the overall compensation.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$82,000 to A$105,000
Average (per year)
A$93,000
Entry-level salaries concentrate in smaller agencies or government contracts, shaped by the local market size.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$105,001 to A$129,000
Average (per year)
A$117,000
Mid-level Heads of Design work for organizations in the public sector, urban planning, or tourism.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$129,001 to A$155,000
Average (per year)
A$140,000
Salary ranges for senior positions can vary across government, infrastructure, and large-scale projects.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
A$155,001+
Principal and Lead salaries are influenced by the types of employers, including consultancy and government.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
A$42 - A$58
per hour
Mid-level
A$59 - A$75
per hour
Senior
A$76 - A$100
per hour
The A$117,000 median sits above the national average for similar senior design roles. However, lower housing costs in the Territory increase the effective value of the salary.