Head of Design Salary in Derby, United Kingdom
Design salaries in Derby are examined. Mid‑level heads of design earn around £60,000 a year. The amount is noted alongside local living costs.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
£44,000 to £54,000
Average (per year)
£49,000
Graduates or new managers in Derbyshire work with moderate budgets.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
£54,500 to £66,000
Average (per year)
£60,000
By mid-level, designers lead teams in automotive and rail companies or public sector organizations.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
£66,500 to £79,000
Average (per year)
£72,500
Senior heads direct design strategy for established manufacturers or large regional employers.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
£79,500+
Principal roles appear in legacy engineering or technology companies with regional headquarters.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
£23 - £33
per hour
Mid-level
£33 - £46
per hour
Senior
£46 - £59
per hour
Nationally, heads of design average about £70,000, so Derby's median sits roughly ten percent lower.