Head of Design Salary in Shanghai, China
The median salary for Head of Design professionals in Shanghai is ¥360,000 per year. The median salary is ¥360,000 per year. Living costs affect residents in Shanghai.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
¥240,000 to ¥320,000
Average (per year)
¥285,000
New professionals join creative agencies or tech startups in the district.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
¥320,000 to ¥410,000
Average (per year)
¥360,000
Designers with several years of experience work at multinational firms and local tech companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
¥410,000 to ¥560,000
Average (per year)
¥485,000
Senior leaders work for global brands or major e-commerce platforms.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
¥570,000+
Principal roles attract talent with years of strategic design leadership at tech or luxury firms.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
¥130 - ¥190
per hour
Mid-level
¥190 - ¥270
per hour
Senior
¥280 - ¥420
per hour
Compared with the national average, Shanghai's median sits about ¥120,000 higher. Wages and housing costs are notable in the city.