Design Director Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Design Director make?

The average salary for a Design Director is $167,663 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Design Director positions, showing an average salary of $167,663 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Design Director positions, showing an average salary of $167,663 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Design Director positions, showing an average salary of $167,663 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Design Director positions, showing an average salary of $167,663 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Design Director plays a key role in shaping the visual identity of a company. This role often involves leading a team of designers and ensuring that all projects meet the company's standards. The average yearly salary for a Design Director is around $167,663. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

The salary range for a Design Director can be quite broad. At the lower end, some professionals earn around $86,350 per year. As experience and expertise grow, salaries can reach up to $264,002 annually. This wide range reflects the importance of the role and the value companies place on strong design leadership. Factors like company size, industry, and geographic location can also influence salary levels.

What are the highest paying cities for a Design Director?

San Francisco, CA, offers the highest average salary for Design Director positions, reaching $191,638 annually. This city's tech-driven economy attracts top talent, boosting salaries for creative leaders. Atlanta, GA, follows closely with an average salary of $178,463.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Design Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $191,638 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $145,230.

San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $191,638
In San Francisco, leading design roles thrive in tech companies. Creatives work on innovative projects with cutting-edge technology. The city offers a vibrant design community and many networking opportunities.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $178,463
Atlanta is a hub for design and marketing firms. Professionals here focus on branding and visual identity. The city's growing tech scene provides diverse projects and career growth.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $174,994
Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for creative leaders. The entertainment industry drives demand for unique design. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant culture and many collaborative opportunities.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $150,961
Austin is known for its creative and tech-driven atmosphere. Design directors here work on innovative projects for startups and established companies. The city offers a strong sense of community and many networking events.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $145,230
Chicago provides a rich landscape for design professionals. The city is home to many advertising and design agencies. Creatives here enjoy a mix of traditional and modern design projects.
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What are the best companies a Design Director can work for?

HNTB Corporation offers one of the top salaries for Design Director positions. With an average salary of $264,002, it stands out as a great choice for those in the field. This company values design leadership and offers competitive compensation to attract top talent. A career with HNTB Corporation can provide both financial rewards and professional growth. It is a company that recognizes the importance of design directors and invests in their success.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Design Director jobs, highlighting HNTB Corporation with the highest at $264,002 and HNTB Corporation with the lowest at $264,002.

HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $264,002
HNTB Corporation offers exciting opportunities for Design Directors. They focus on creating innovative designs for infrastructure projects. HNTB operates across the United States, with major offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. As a Design Director, you will lead a team of designers and ensure the highest quality in all projects.

How to earn more as a Design Director?

Becoming a Design Director can lead to a rewarding career with good pay. To earn more, focus on these areas:

First, gain experience in different design areas. This makes a Design Director more valuable. Second, learn new design tools and software. Staying updated helps create better designs. Third, build a strong network. Connect with other professionals to learn and share ideas. Fourth, take on leadership roles. Managing teams and projects shows skills and dedication. Fifth, seek advanced degrees or certifications. These can open doors to higher-paying jobs.

To increase earnings, focus on these key areas. Experience, skills, networking, leadership, and education all play a role. By improving in these areas, a Design Director can earn more and advance in their career.

Design Director Salaries

How much does a Design Director make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Design Director?

What are the best companies a Design Director can work for?

How to earn more as a Design Director?

Currently 33 Design Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Design Director in the US?

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