Interaction Designer Salary in San Francisco, California

Interaction Designer salaries in San Francisco rank among the highest in the nation. High living costs and intense competition drive up compensation. Many roles offer equity or bonuses alongside strong base pay.

Salary by experience level

Entry-level (0-2 years)

Salary range (per year)

$90,000 to $118,000

Average (per year)

$104,000

Entry-level designers earn high wages.

Mid-level (3-5 years)

Salary range (per year)

$118,000 to $145,000

Average (per year)

$131,500

Mid-level talent is rewarded by top employers such as Salesforce, Uber, and Stripe, with salaries above many others.

Senior (6-9 years)

Salary range (per year)

$145,000 to $178,000

Average (per year)

$161,500

Senior designers in San Francisco receive competitive offers, especially if they have experience at major tech companies or consumer platforms.

Principal/Lead (10+ years)

Salary range (per year)

$178,000+

Principal and lead roles often have high salaries, with many positions at venture-backed startups and global tech headquarters.

Hourly Rates

For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.

Junior

$45 - $70

per hour

Mid-level

$70 - $110

per hour

Senior

$110 - $150

per hour