Head of Design Salary in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh offers a median salary of SAR133,500 per year for Head of Design positions. This figure reflects compensation levels in the capital. Design leaders also benefit from tax‑free income and housing allowances that soften living costs.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
SAR93,000 to SAR117,000
Average (per year)
SAR105,000
Entry-level designers work with municipal organizations or local service providers, which have modest budgets.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
SAR117,000 to SAR150,000
Average (per year)
SAR133,500
In construction, retail, and education, mid-career professionals hold positions that reflect their experience through higher salaries.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
SAR150,000 to SAR192,000
Average (per year)
SAR171,000
Senior designers manage teams in local government or larger private enterprises and lead major civic projects.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
SAR192,000+
Strategic design for municipal expansion is guided by principal-level roles that collaborate with top-level officials and business owners.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
SAR70 - SAR85
per hour
Mid-level
SAR85 - SAR120
per hour
Senior
SAR120 - SAR150
per hour
Head of Design salaries in Riyadh sit above the Saudi national median, which hovers around SAR110,000. The gap widens as firms in the city invest in brand experience.