Head of Design Salary in Otago, New Zealand
Senior designers are employed in Otago's tech sector. The median salary is NZ$125,000 per year. Living costs are a factor for residents.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$95,000 to NZ$115,000
Average (per year)
NZ$105,000
Entry-level Heads of Design in Dunedin join university-affiliated startups or local tech firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$115,000 to NZ$135,000
Average (per year)
NZ$125,000
Mid-level professionals move into larger design departments and technology companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$135,000 to NZ$155,000
Average (per year)
NZ$145,000
Senior Heads of Design lead teams at healthcare, education, and software firms.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
NZ$155,000+
Principal-level designers guide large projects or manage departments for major corporations or the university.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
NZ$60 - NZ$80
per hour
Mid-level
NZ$80 - NZ$95
per hour
Senior
NZ$95 - NZ$125
per hour
Nationally the median for heads of design hovers around NZ$130,000, so Otago sits just below the countrywide average.