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Retail Store Design Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Retail Store Design Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retail Store Design Director in the United States is $143,684 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

However, a Retail Store Design Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $178,487
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $135,817 to $161,901
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,655
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Retail Store Design Director Salaries

A Retail Store Design Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Retail Store Design Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Retail Store Design Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Retail Space Management Coordinator (2-4 years): $62,929
  • Retail Space Management Manager (4-5 years): $100,532
  • Retail Store Design Director (5+ years): $143,684
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Retail Space Management Coordinator2-4 years$62,929
Retail Space Management Manager4-5 years$100,532
Retail Store Design Director5+ years$143,684
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How Do Retail Store Design Directors Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Retail Store Design Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $159,087.
  • California: $158,483.
  • Massachusetts: $156,371.

Top Paying Cities for Retail Store Design Director

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $181,229
  • San Francisco: $179,244
  • Oakland: $175,467

Retail Store Design Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Retail Store Design Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $158,435. While startup companies pay approximate $133,604.

Retail Store Design Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $133,604
Growth Stage 51~500 $141,430
Established 501~5000 $152,894
Enterprise 5000+ $158,435

Retail Store Design Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Retail Store Design Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Retail Store Design Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Retail Store Design Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Retail Store Design Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale$158,052$76.010%

How Education impacts an Retail Store Design Director's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Retail Store Design Director enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Retail Store Design Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $136,972 and $153,809.

Retail Store Design Director Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Retail Store Design Director
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 9.3%
High School 9.3%
Associates 14.8%
Bachelors 53.7%
Masters 22.2%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Retail Store Design Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Retail Store Design Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$135,817
Average $143,684/year
$161,901
$11,318
Average $11,974/month
$13,492
$2,612
Average $2,763/week
$3,113
$65
Average $69/hour
$78
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $161,901 $13,492 $3,113 $78
Average $143,684 $11,974 $2,763 $69
25th Percentile $135,817 $11,318 $2,612 $65

Most common benefits for Retail Store Design Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Retail Store Design Director

Here are companies hiring for Retail Store Design Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Retail Store Design Director

1. Where can a Retail Store Design Director earn the most?

A Retail Store Design Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Retail Store Design Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Retail Store Design Director is $181,229.

2. What is the highest pay for Retail Store Design Director?

The highest pay for Retail Store Design Director is $178,487.

3. What is the lowest pay for Retail Store Design Director?

The lowest pay for Retail Store Design Director is $128,655.

4. What are the responsibilities of Retail Store Design Director?

Coordinates the operational needs with marketing image of the store. Works with contractors to create the exterior and interior design concepts. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Retail Store Design Director?

The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Retail Store Design Director roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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