Head of Design Salary in Seattle, Washington
Seattle is home to Amazon, Microsoft, and a dense cluster of design-focused startups. High demand for creative leadership and the area's steep cost of living influence salaries. Stock options and bonuses supplement base pay in this city.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$125,000 to $155,000
Average (per year)
$142,000
Early-career heads of design in Seattle work at large tech firms and well-funded startups.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$155,000 to $195,000
Average (per year)
$172,000
At this stage, salaries increase amid competition among major tech companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$195,000 to $235,000
Average (per year)
$210,000
Senior heads of design in Seattle receive higher salaries, particularly in AI, cloud, and fintech firms.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$235,000+
Leadership roles at this level appear at major corporations and unicorns, where total compensation includes base pay and additional components.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$70 - $95
per hour
Mid-level
$95 - $130
per hour
Senior
$130 - $200
per hour