Design Director Salary in Los Angeles
Median salary for a Design Director in Los Angeles is $220k per year. Hire remotely via KiteHR and save 50% — or $110k annually.
Local Median
$220k
Remote Median
$110k
You Save
50%
Annual Savings
$110k
Local vs. Remote Salary Comparison
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Local (Los Angeles) | Remote |
|---|---|---|
| P25 — Entry level | $165k | $99k |
| P50 — Median | $220k | $110k |
| P75 — Senior / Lead | $297k | $121k |
Total Employer Cost
Salary + estimated benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead (30% local / 15% remote).
In-person in Los Angeles
$286k
/year total cost
Remote via KiteHR
$127k
/year total cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Design Director salary in Los Angeles?
The median Design Director salary in Los Angeles is $220k per year. Entry-level roles start around $165k, while senior or lead-level Design Directors can earn up to $297k. Data reflects 2025 market rates sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research.
How much can I save hiring a remote Design Director?
Hiring a remote Design Director vs. a Los Angeles-based hire saves approximately 50% — or $110k per year. Remote Design professionals typically earn $110k median, compared to the local Los Angeles rate of $220k.
Is it common to hire a remote Design Director?
Yes — Design roles like Design Director have a high degree of remote compatibility. Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia have deep talent pools for this category. KiteHR can help you post the role, screen candidates, and manage the hiring pipeline entirely online.
What is the total employer cost for a Design Director in Los Angeles?
The total employer cost — including salary, payroll taxes, health benefits, and overhead — for a Design Director in Los Angeles is approximately $286k per year. Hiring remote reduces this to roughly $127k, saving $160k annually.
Savings Calculator
How many Design Directors are you hiring in Los Angeles?
Annual savings with remote team
$330k
$110k per role × 3 hires
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- Demand in Los Angeles
- medium
- Category
- Design
- Data year
- 2025
- Currency
- USD
Other Design Roles in Los Angeles
Data sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research. Figures are estimates and may vary by company, seniority, and experience level.
Design Director Salary in Other Cities
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