Introduction
The salaries of designers can differ dramatically across the globe, with much depending on the place, experience, specialty, and general local economic circumstances. This is an extensive review of what designers earn around the world for various specializations and years of experience.
North America
United States
- Entry-Level: $45,000 – $65,000
- Mid-Level: $65,000 – $110,000
- Senior-Level: $110,000 – $180,000
- Design Directors: $150,000 – $250,000+
Tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City pay much higher:
- San Francisco: 30-50% above national average
- New York: 25-40% above national average
Canada
- Entry-Level: CAD 45,000 – 60,000
- Mid-Level: CAD 60,000 – 95,000
- Senior-Level: CAD 95,000 – 140,000
- Design Directors: CAD 130,000 – 200,000+
Europe
United Kingdom
- Entry-Level: £25,000 – £35,000
- Mid-Level: £35,000 – £60,000
- Senior-Level: £60,000 – £90,000
- Design Directors: £85,000 – £150,000+
Germany
- Entry-Level: €35,000 – €45,000
- Mid-Level: €45,000 – €70,000
- Senior-Level: €70,000 – €100,000
- Design Directors: €90,000 – €140,000+
Scandinavian Countries
- Entry-Level: €40,000 – €50,000
- Mid-Level: €50,000 – €75,000
- Senior-Level: €75,000 – €110,000
- Design Directors: €100,000 – €160,000+
Asia-Pacific
Australia
- Entry-Level: AUD 50,000 – 65,000
- Mid-Level: AUD 65,000 – 100,000
- Senior-Level: AUD 100,000 – 150,000
- Design Directors: AUD 140,000 – 200,000+
Japan
- Entry-Level: ¥3,000,000 – ¥4,500,000
- Mid-Level: ¥4,500,000 – ¥7,000,000
- Senior-Level: ¥7,000,000 – ¥12,000,000
- Design Directors: ¥10,000,000 – ¥18,000,000+
Singapore
- Entry-Level: SGD 36,000 – 48,000
- Mid-Level: SGD 48,000 – 84,000
- Senior-Level: SGD 84,000 – 144,000
- Design Directors: SGD 144,000 – 240,000+
Salary by Design Specialization
UI/UX Design
Generally commands the highest salaries in the design field:
- 10-30% premium over graphic design salaries
- Additional increase for those with coding skills
- Higher rates in tech-focused markets
Product Design
- Similar to UI/UX design ranges
- Premium for experience with physical product design
- Higher rates for those with manufacturing knowledge
Graphic Design
- Generally lower than UI/UX and product design
- Wide range based on industry and client type
- Freelance rates vary significantly
Motion Design
- Premium over traditional graphic design
- Higher rates for 3D animation skills
- Increased demand in digital marketing
Factors Affecting Salary
Location Factors
- Cost of living
- Local market demand
- Industry presence
- Economic conditions
Experience and Skills
- Years of experience
- Portfolio quality
- Technical skills
- Industry specialization
Company Type
- Startups vs. established companies
- Tech companies vs. traditional industries
- Agency vs. in-house positions
- Consulting vs. full-time roles
Additional Benefits
Common Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Stock options (especially in tech)
- Professional development allowances
- Remote work options
- Equipment allowances
Regional Variations
- European countries: More vacation time, stronger benefits
Asian markets: Annual bonus, housing allowances
US: For more on health insurance and stock options
Freelance and Contract Rates
Hourly Rates
Junior: $25 – $50
Mid-Level: $50 – $100
Senior: $100 – $200
Expert: $200+
Project-Based Pricing
Logo Design: $500 – $5,000+
Website Design: $2,000 – $15,000+
Brand Identity: $5,000 – $50,000+
App Design: $5,000 – $50,000+
Conclusion
Salaries for designers continue to rise globally, with huge discrepancies based on location, specialty, and experience. The highest salaries are usually in tech hubs and major metropolitan areas; UI/UX and product designers generally get the highest compensation. Remote work is gradually normalizing salaries across regions, although there are still striking differences based on local market conditions and the cost of living.
All these in mind, high-earning designers should focus on high-demand specializations such as UI/UX design and acquisition of more technical competencies, strategy direct to positions in big tech hubs for better compensation packages. Simultaneously, however, these have to be weighed against cost of living and quality of life considerations.