As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for design team lead in the US is $115,127, equivalent to $55 per hour, $2,214 weekly, or $9,594 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for design team lead in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for design team lead in the US vary widely, spanning from $91,675 to $136,022. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($102,852) and 75th percentile ($126,064), while top earners (90th percentile) make $136,022 per year. This $23,212 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Presentation or Illustration, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia design team lead often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 71 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
design team lead Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile design team lead Salary $91,675 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile design team lead Salary $102,852 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile design team lead Salary $115,127 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile design team lead Salary $126,064 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile design team lead Salary $136,022 US January 01, 2026
25% $102,852 10% $91,675 90% $136,022 75% $126,064 $115,127 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A design team lead ?

The Design Team Lead oversees the creative direction and execution of design projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand standards. Responsibilities include managing a team of designers, fostering collaboration, and mentoring junior staff. The role requires strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of design principles, and proficiency in design software. The Design Team Lead also collaborates with cross-functional teams, presents design concepts to stakeholders, and ensures timely project delivery. A bachelor's degree in design or a related field, along with several yea...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
102852
126064
115127

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
109966
147867
127932
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of design team lead in the United States. The base salary for design team lead ranges from $102,852 to $126,064 with the average base salary of $115,127. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $109,966 to $147,867 with the average total cash compensation of $127,932.

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102852
126064

 

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