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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Director in California is $155,543 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Design Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Design Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $169,844 | $14,154 | $3,266 | $82 |
| Average | $155,543 | $12,962 | $2,991 | $75 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,583 | $11,299 | $2,607 | $65 |
Taylor Design - Tustin, CA
Taylor Design - Los Angeles, CA
Beach House Group - Culver City, CA
Pivotal Talent Search - El Segundo, CA
A 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Design Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Design Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 125% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Design Director positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $248,869 | $120.0 | 60% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $233,314 | $112.0 | 50% |
| Healthcare | $209,983 | $101.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $202,206 | $97.0 | 30% |
| Media | $194,429 | $93.0 | 25% |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $169,844 | $14,154 | $3,266 | $82 |
| Average | $155,543 | $12,962 | $2,991 | $75 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,583 | $11,299 | $2,607 | $65 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Design Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Bancroft Staffing Partners
Solana Beach, CA
Bancroft Staffing Partners | Solana Beach, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About Us. We are a highly respected architecture and planning firm known for delivering thoughtful, community-centered pr... more
5 Days Ago
Bancroft Staffing Partners
Newport Beach, CA
Bancroft Staffing Partners | Newport Beach, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About Us. We are a highly respected architecture and planning firm known for delivering thoughtful, community-centered pr... more
5 Days Ago
Grizzly
National City, CA
Grizzly | National City, CA
A creative agency in San Diego is looking for a Design Director to lead diverse design projects, ensuring high-quality standards and client satisfaction.Th... more
6 Days Ago
AmaWaterways, LLC
Calabasas, CA
AmaWaterways, LLC | Calabasas, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. AmaWaterways is seeking a highly creative, design-driven, and strategically minded Director of Interior... more
2 Days Ago
Westside Build LLC
Santa Monica, CA
Westside Build LLC | Santa Monica, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Westside Design, in partnership with Westside Build, is a Santa Monica–based design and construction firm rebuilding home... more
2 Days Ago
Buck Mason
Los Angeles, CA
Buck Mason | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Buck Mason is looking for a full-time Design Director specializing in women's wovens. The ideal candidate has a love of t... more
3 Days Ago
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