Head of Design Salary in Colorado, United States
The median salary for a Head of Design in Denver is $116,000. Google and Patagonia are among the companies in the area.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$88,000 to $105,500
Average (per year)
$96,500
Entry roles work with retail and healthcare companies, with pay starting at regional rates.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$105,500 to $127,000
Average (per year)
$116,000
At digital agencies or local tech startups, designers with several years of experience manage teams.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$126,000 to $145,000
Average (per year)
$135,000
Larger employers such as telecom and manufacturing firms rely on senior professionals to oversee design strategy.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$145,500+
Principal designers manage cross‑functional teams for regional operations.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$44 - $58
per hour
Mid-level
$59 - $77
per hour
Senior
$78 - $95
per hour
Colorado's median outpaces the national $105,000 benchmark by roughly $11,000. The gap reflects strong demand and a higher cost of living in the Front Range.