Head of Design Salary in West Raleigh, North Carolina
West Raleigh is located in North Carolina's Research Triangle. Major employers such as SAS, Red Hat, and Duke Health are present in the area. The cost of living is moderate, making these roles attractive for experienced designers.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$99,500 to $119,000
Average (per year)
$108,000
Entry-level Heads of Design in West Raleigh join tech startups, research institutions, or healthcare firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$120,000 to $142,000
Average (per year)
$131,000
Mid-level professionals lead small design teams or projects for companies in the Research Triangle, where software, medical devices, and education technology are dominant.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$143,000 to $167,000
Average (per year)
$155,000
Senior Heads of Design drive creative vision for established enterprises, including major tech firms and healthcare corporations headquartered within the city.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$168,000+
Principal-level roles command salaries above $168,000, especially for those managing cross-functional teams at national tech employers or leading innovation for large academic institutions.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$54 - $72
per hour
Mid-level
$73 - $91
per hour
Senior
$92 - $117
per hour