Updated 2026

Design Ops Manager Salary in San Diego 2026

Average Base
$119,000
+4.2% from 2025
Typical Range
$90,000$170,000
10th - 90th percentile
Total Comp
~$142,800
Includes Equity/Bonus

San Diego, CA continues to hire experienced Design Ops Managers, especially for teams building customer-focused digital products. Salaries vary by seniority and company stage, but top performers can earn well above the local median. Design Ops Managers in San Diego, CA often collaborate across research, product strategy, and design systems. San Diego, CA teams often prioritize collaboration across product, engineering, and go-to-market partners.

Median pay for Design Ops Manager roles in San Diego, CA tends to track the local cost of living while rewarding specialized skills. Experience with Figma, prototyping, and usability testing remains a core expectation. Local teams are prioritizing user-centered design to improve retention and reduce churn. Each listing includes role details, compensation ranges, and links to apply directly. Use the filters below to compare roles by seniority, work type, and compensation range.

Salary Distribution

Cost of Living Analysis

San Diego has a cost of living index of 137, which can influence take-home value even when salaries appear higher. Consider housing, transportation, and tax differences when evaluating offers.

CityMedian
New York$154,000
San Francisco$160,000
Seattle$148,000
Boston$143,000
Los Angeles$143,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is the Design Ops Manager job market in San Diego, CA?
Competition varies by specialization. Candidates with strong case studies and measurable outcomes stand out quickly in the hiring process.
What skills do Design Ops Managers in San Diego, 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 Ops Manager salary in San Diego, 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.