Head of Design Salary in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur rewards Head of Design talent with a median package of RM127,000 per year. Companies in the city supplement base pay with performance bonuses.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
RM70,000 to RM110,000
Average (per year)
RM90,000
Entry-level heads of design join tech startups, creative agencies, or retail groups.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
RM110,000 to RM145,000
Average (per year)
RM127,000
Mid-level professionals manage multi-disciplinary teams and engage with larger digital firms or international companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
RM145,000 to RM180,000
Average (per year)
RM162,000
Senior heads of design handle brand strategy, digital transformation, and cross-border projects.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
RM180,000+
Principal or lead roles exist in large organizations.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
RM90 - RM140
per hour
Mid-level
RM140 - RM210
per hour
Senior
RM210 - RM270
per hour
Nationally, Head of Design roles average around RM110,000, leaving Kuala Lumpur ahead by roughly RM17,000. A salary gap exists in the city.