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.