Updated 2026

Design Director Salary in Los Angeles 2026

Average Base
$211,000
+4.2% from 2025
Typical Range
$140,000$260,000
10th - 90th percentile
Total Comp
~$253,200
Includes Equity/Bonus

Explore Design Director roles in Los Angeles, CA with companies that are actively scaling their product design teams. Hybrid and remote-friendly options are common, giving designers flexibility while staying connected to local teams. Experience with Figma, prototyping, and usability testing remains a core expectation. Los Angeles, CA teams often prioritize collaboration across product, engineering, and go-to-market partners.

Median pay for Design Director roles in Los Angeles, CA tends to track the local cost of living while rewarding specialized skills. Companies value designers who can translate insights into measurable product outcomes. Salaries vary by seniority and company stage, but top performers can earn well above the local median. Use this page to compare roles, explore salary benchmarks, and connect with companies hiring in Los Angeles, CA. Use the filters below to compare roles by seniority, work type, and compensation range.

Salary Distribution

Cost of Living Analysis

Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 150, which can influence take-home value even when salaries appear higher. Consider housing, transportation, and tax differences when evaluating offers.

CityMedian
New York$228,000
San Francisco$237,000
Seattle$220,000
Boston$211,000
Los Angeles$211,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is the Design Director job market in Los Angeles, CA?
Competition varies by specialization. Candidates with strong case studies and measurable outcomes stand out quickly in the hiring process.
What skills do Design Directors in Los Angeles, CA need most?
Hiring teams look for UX fundamentals, strong communication, and the ability to ship iterative improvements based on user feedback.
What is the average Design Director salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median salary depends on seniority and company stage, but most teams pay a competitive market rate for proven UX impact. Use the salary section on this page for up-to-date benchmarks and percentile ranges.