Head of Design Salary in San Rafael, California
San Rafael lies just north of San Francisco. Visual effects and gaming employers are located in the Lucas Valley area. Salaries in the region are affected by Bay Area competition.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$116,000 to $137,000
Average (per year)
$127,000
Recent appointees in San Rafael often join boutique studios or small tech firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$137,000 to $162,000
Average (per year)
$149,000
Mid-level Heads of Design take on expanded responsibilities at regional companies or creative agencies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$162,000 to $186,000
Average (per year)
$174,000
Veterans with several years of leadership experience often oversee design for Marin County's established employers or growing tech startups.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$186,000+
Professionals with over a decade of experience work at major Bay Area employers or digital agencies.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$58 - $80
per hour
Mid-level
$80 - $105
per hour
Senior
$105 - $135
per hour