Product Designer Salary in San Diego, California
San Diego's tech scene includes defense, biotech, and SaaS firms. Salaries here fall below those in Silicon Valley.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$70,000 to $89,000
Average (per year)
$81,000
Defense, biotech, and startup companies hire new designers.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$90,000 to $112,000
Average (per year)
$101,000
Established tech companies and digital agencies hire mid-level designers.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$113,000 to $139,000
Average (per year)
$125,000
Senior designers are employed in wireless, software, and healthcare sectors.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$140,000+
Principal designers work at major employers or large-scale startups.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$36 - $48
per hour
Mid-level
$49 - $68
per hour
Senior
$69 - $90
per hour