Head of Design Salary in Laguna Niguel, California

Salaries for senior creative roles in Laguna Niguel are influenced by Orange County's housing costs and professional services market. Laguna Niguel is near tech hubs such as Irvine. Local cost factors influence compensation levels in Laguna Niguel.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$105,000 to $125,000

Average (per year)

$115,000

Early-career heads of design in Laguna Niguel work for regional startups or professional services firms.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$126,000 to $145,000

Average (per year)

$135,500

Heads of design at this stage manage teams for local SaaS companies or established agencies and collaborate with remote teams in larger California cities.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$146,000 to $173,000

Average (per year)

$158,500

Senior heads of design hold positions at regional headquarters or enterprises in Laguna Niguel.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$174,000+

Principal-level leaders support enterprise operations, oversee multiple design teams, and receive compensation aligned with local market rates.

Hourly Rates

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

Junior

$55 - $70

per hour

Mid-level

$71 - $95

per hour

Senior

$96 - $120

per hour