Head of Design Salary in Plymouth, United Kingdom
Plymouth offers a median salary of £59,500 for Head of Design positions. The city has a maritime heritage and a growing technology sector. Design leaders also have lower housing costs compared with London.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
£41,000 to £52,000
Average (per year)
£46,500
Graduates join marine engineering firms or creative studios serving the southwest.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
£53,000 to £66,000
Average (per year)
£59,500
Mid-level design heads lead teams in marine tech, defense, or university-linked startups.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
£67,000 to £78,000
Average (per year)
£72,500
Senior roles involve managing design for government contractors or regional digital agencies.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
£79,000+
Leaders at large firms earn the highest salaries.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
£21 - £32
per hour
Mid-level
£33 - £43
per hour
Senior
£44 - £58
per hour
Plymouth's median sits above the UK average for design heads, which hovers around £55,000. Living expenses remain lower than in southern England.