VP of Design Salary in Australia
Senior design leaders in Australia are paid salaries that reflect their experience. A median total compensation of A$161,000 positions the VP of Design near the top of executive pay scales in the region.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$121,000 to A$148,000
Average (per year)
A$135,000
Smaller agencies and local companies offer lower base salaries, with limited openings at this tier.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$148,000 to A$174,000
Average (per year)
A$161,000
Many design leaders at this level work with regional businesses in agriculture, education, or healthcare.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
A$174,500 to A$203,500
Average (per year)
A$189,000
Larger employers in Bundaberg recruit senior VPs of Design for digital transformation projects.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
A$204,000+
Principal-level roles are found in multi-site organizations or remote-first teams that pay metro rates.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
A$70 - A$100
per hour
Mid-level
A$100 - A$131
per hour
Senior
A$131 - A$173
per hour
Market Overview
Tech and fintech firms in Sydney regularly hire designers to work on user experiences. Media agencies and gaming studios in Melbourne offer roles that combine brand strategy and interactive design. Bonuses and equity are sometimes added to salary.