Head of Design Salary in California, United States

In California, the median salary for Head of Design is $127,000. Design leadership roles are posted by startups and Fortune 500 firms. Living costs are considered in salary discussions.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$95,000 to $116,000

Average (per year)

$105,000

Early-career Heads of Design join education technology startups or research initiatives tied to UC Berkeley.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$117,000 to $140,000

Average (per year)

$127,000

With several years of experience, design leaders in Berkeley guide teams in SaaS companies or collaborate closely with biotech firms.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$141,000 to $166,000

Average (per year)

$153,000

Senior Heads of Design manage teams and oversee design.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$167,000+

At the principal level, leaders drive design strategy for major Bay Area employers and negotiate equity-heavy packages.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

$49 - $65

per hour

Mid-level

$66 - $90

per hour

Senior

$90 - $120

per hour

The California median exceeds the U.S. Median. The California median is higher by roughly $30,000 on average. Higher wages are observed in the region.

Cities in California

Head of Design salary in Los Angeles County → Head of Design salary in San Diego County → Head of Design salary in Orange County → Head of Design salary in Riverside County → Head of Design salary in San Bernardino County → Head of Design salary in Santa Clara County → Head of Design salary in Alameda County → Head of Design salary in Sacramento County → Head of Design salary in San Diego → Head of Design salary in Contra Costa County → Head of Design salary in San Jose → Head of Design salary in Fresno County → Head of Design salary in Kern County → Head of Design salary in Ventura County → Head of Design salary in San Francisco → Head of Design salary in San Joaquin County → Head of Design salary in San Mateo County → Head of Design salary in Stanislaus County → Head of Design salary in Fresno → Head of Design salary in Sacramento → Head of Design salary in Sonoma County → Head of Design salary in Tulare County → Head of Design salary in Solano County → Head of Design salary in Santa 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