Head of Design Salary in Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto is part of Silicon Valley. Design leaders earn high salaries, influenced by competition and housing costs. Local tech employers are active in the region.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$150,000 to $180,000
Average (per year)
$165,000
Entry-level Heads of Design in Palo Alto work for venture-backed startups or established tech firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$180,000 to $230,000
Average (per year)
$205,000
Mid-level professionals have several years of experience at tech companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$230,000 to $290,000
Average (per year)
$260,000
Senior Heads of Design lead larger teams in Silicon Valley.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$290,000+
Principal-level salaries vary by employer.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$70 - $95
per hour
Mid-level
$95 - $140
per hour
Senior
$140 - $200
per hour