Head of Design Salary in Berkeley, California
Berkeley sits near Silicon Valley. Housing costs and proximity to San Francisco are factors in salary levels. Design heads here work on tech and education projects.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$120,000 to $145,000
Average (per year)
$132,500
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)
$145,000 to $175,000
Average (per year)
$160,000
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)
$175,000 to $205,000
Average (per year)
$190,000
Senior Heads of Design manage teams and oversee design.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$205,000+
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
$60 - $85
per hour
Mid-level
$85 - $110
per hour
Senior
$110 - $160
per hour