VP of Design Salary in Santa Cruz County, California
Santa Cruz County includes a mix of higher education, agriculture, and tech employers. Salaries in the broader region differ from those in major Bay Area cities and the national average for this role.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$130,000 to $155,000
Average (per year)
$142,500
Entry-level VPs in the county oversee creative teams at regional SaaS firms, educational tech, or consumer product companies.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$155,000 to $180,000
Average (per year)
$167,500
Mid-level VPs manage larger teams or multi-site projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$180,000 to $215,000
Average (per year)
$197,500
Senior VPs oversee creative operations for county-based enterprises, including biotech and green tech.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$215,000+
Compensation for top leaders with extensive portfolios varies, especially at organizations with Silicon Valley ties.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$65 - $90
per hour
Mid-level
$90 - $125
per hour
Senior
$125 - $165
per hour