Interaction Designer Salary in Santa Cruz County, California
Santa Cruz County covers a range of smaller cities and rural areas. Salaries run slightly lower than in the city proper, influenced by a mix of public sector, agriculture, and remote tech jobs. Local cost of living remains high relative to inland counties.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$68,000 to $88,000
Average (per year)
$78,000
Many entry designers start at agencies or join non-profits focused on civic and environmental projects.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$88,000 to $110,000
Average (per year)
$98,000
Mid-level salaries reflect employment at regional software firms and remote roles for Silicon Valley companies.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$110,000 to $130,000
Average (per year)
$120,000
Senior designers oversee user experience for agri-tech, biotech, or public sector solutions in the county.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$130,000+
Principal and lead designers set standards for regional agencies or manage distributed teams across county organizations.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$32 - $45
per hour
Mid-level
$45 - $65
per hour
Senior
$65 - $95
per hour