Head of Design Salary in Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn is home to Ford Motor Company. The city's industrial base and cost of living affect salaries for design leadership roles. Experienced managers are needed for large-scale design projects.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$70,000 to $88,000
Average (per year)
$79,000
Starting salaries in Dearborn differ from those in other Michigan cities.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$89,000 to $104,000
Average (per year)
$96,500
Mid-level Heads of Design support automotive, tech, or university-led projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$105,000 to $124,000
Average (per year)
$114,500
Senior design roles are found at Ford and nearby tech partners in Michigan.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$125,000+
Principal-level salaries are associated with the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$45 - $60
per hour
Mid-level
$61 - $78
per hour
Senior
$79 - $105
per hour