Head of Design Salary in Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík's design leadership roles have a median salary of kr1,075,000 per year. Startups and agencies operate in the market. Housing costs and imported goods keep living expenses high.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

kr780,000 to kr950,000

Average (per year)

kr870,000

Newly hired heads in Reykjavik start with salaries that reflect market conditions.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

kr950,000 to kr1,200,000

Average (per year)

kr1,075,000

Mid-tier professionals experience salary growth at software and gaming companies in the capital.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

kr1,200,000 to kr1,500,000

Average (per year)

kr1,350,000

Senior design leaders work at international tech firms and large creative studios.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

kr1,500,000+

Principal heads at multinational companies may have high salaries. Salaries can reach 5 million ISK monthly, especially in high‑profile sectors.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

kr4800 - kr5900

per hour

Mid-level

kr5900 - kr7200

per hour

Senior

kr7200 - kr9500

per hour

Nationally the median sits below the Icelandic average, indicating that Reykjavík's design leadership salaries are lower than the national average.