How Much Does a Design Director Make in Washington, DC?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Design Director in Washington, DC is $166,165. While Salary.com is seeing that Design Director salary in Washington, DC can go up to $214,100 or down to $117,394, but most earn between $140,636 and $191,256. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $140,636 10% $117,394 90% $214,100 75% $191,256 $166,165 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Design Director by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
CAVA
Design Director
$189,194/yr
$159,463
$218,924
RANGE: $159,463 - $218,924
Upside
Senior Director of Design and Research
$203,966/yr
$180,779
$227,154
RANGE: $180,779 - $227,154
$177,099/yr
$151,783
$202,415
RANGE: $151,783 - $202,415
U.S. News & World Report
Senior Director, UX & Product Design
$141,833/yr
$126,136
$157,530
RANGE: $126,136 - $157,530
U.S. News
Senior Director, UX & Product Design
$141,833/yr
$126,136
$157,530
RANGE: $126,136 - $157,530
CAVA - Support Center
Design Director Job at CAVA - Support Center in Washington
$168,220/yr
$142,971
$193,469
RANGE: $142,971 - $193,469
Amgen
SENIOR DIRECTOR, HEAD OF OPERATIONAL DESIGN TEAM
$186,530/yr
$158,160
$214,900
RANGE: $158,160 - $214,900
CAVA - Support Center
CAVA - Support Center is hiring: Design Director in Washington
$162,827/yr
$137,318
$188,336
RANGE: $137,318 - $188,336
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC
Senior Director, Talent Management Experience Design
$238,624/yr
$195,468
$281,781
RANGE: $195,468 - $281,781
Bully Pulpit Interactive
Design Director (Advertising) Job at Bully Pulpit Interactive in Washington
$177,099/yr
$151,783
$202,415
RANGE: $151,783 - $202,415

Open Design Director Jobs in Washington, DC

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What Does a Design Director Do?

Design directors also require a much greater technical understanding of design process and techniques with cross platform and multi-disciplinary team application of their work also common place.
Updated December 22, 2021
Where creative directors are charged with casting artistic vision, design directors are more output-focused.
Updated December 22, 2021
– design directors use leadership skills to manage staff and supervise projects from conception to completion.
Updated December 21, 2021
Many design directors keep portfolios showcasing their past projects, which can make candidates stand out against others seeking the same job.
Updated December 20, 2021
The Director of Design is responsible for identifying key partnerships, internal and external to AdventHealth, integrating subject matter expert’s into design thinking methodology/programs.
Updated December 18, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Design Director Salaries

What is the average of a Design Director in Washington, DC?

The Design Director salary range is from $140,636 to $191,256, and the average Design Director salary is $166,165/year in Washington, DC. The Design Director's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Design Director salary in the United States?

The Design Director salary in San Jose, CA is $187,365 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Design Director's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Design Director.

What is the growth rate of the Design Director's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Design Director or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Design Director.