Head of Design Salary in Hawthorne, California
Hawthorne is heavily shaped by aerospace and advanced manufacturing. High-profile employers influence design leadership salaries, though cost of living remains below westside Los Angeles. Creative talent is in demand within the local tech and engineering sectors.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$112,000 to $132,000
Average (per year)
$122,000
Entry-level Heads of Design join aerospace or automotive firms and manage small creative teams.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$134,000 to $156,000
Average (per year)
$145,000
With additional experience, designers take on higher team and project responsibilities at companies such as SpaceX or local tech startups.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$157,000 to $185,000
Average (per year)
$171,000
Senior roles include managing multi-disciplinary teams and leading innovation initiatives.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$186,000+
Principal-level professionals oversee design for entire organizations or multiple products.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$60 - $80
per hour
Mid-level
$81 - $110
per hour
Senior
$111 - $140
per hour