Product Design Manager Salary in Santa Cruz County, California
Santa Cruz County covers coastal towns and agriculture. Cost of living is high countywide. Larger employers include hospitals and UC Santa Cruz.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$95,000 to $120,000
Average (per year)
$107,000
Fresh managers take roles in education, the public sector, and smaller software firms.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$117,000 to $141,000
Average (per year)
$129,000
Mid-level managers experience pay growth.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$138,000 to $164,000
Average (per year)
$149,000
Senior roles are filled by those working with larger employers or managing distributed teams.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$160,000+
Principal managers lead major design functions in health, education, or remote-first software companies.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$45 - $58
per hour
Mid-level
$57 - $70
per hour
Senior
$70 - $85
per hour