How are some new grads making the same as a design lead?

Question

I see that levels lists that product designer salaries for SF/bay Area new grad as 100-230k starting. I also see that there are many people who post on this (amazing) forum that they are Some peope making 140k as design leads and 160k as design managers. I have a feeling this is due to the size of the company but am not sure.

1. How accurate are these new grad salaries?

2. why is a design lead and a new grad getting paid similary?

3. Is new grad on levels graduation from masters? Or undergraduate?

Any information would be super helpful

- a UC berkeley junior working hard on internships

Ezepheros · Accepted Answer

Are they from the same company? If not it’s basically impossible to compare especially since there are also different teams. If someone’s designing a big product vs being the lead of designing a smaller product it will prob have a huge effect as well. Also Ifl potentially the new grads getting huge salaries are probably culled from many new grads. So basically they should be the best out of the best (universities). Where as design leads may come from an average education with a few years exp and may not seem like they have much potential or as much at least. Also I know nothing about this I have no experience just specilation

Kdad · Answer

Mostly new graduates making above 100 are Masters with some full time experience after their under-graduation .

beenaround · Answer

There is a lot of misinformation and this can vary depending on company type and role. Generally speaking 100k, more/less is a realistic expectation for a "junior"/entry-level/new grad designer. Many companies that I've been at do not have a "junior" designer role just product designer with less experience. It's true you may find something making quite a bit more than 100k but that's situational where the company (FAANG or similar) can afford to be competitive especially for candidates that have a rare combination of competencies. Look me up on ADPList if you want to chat more. I hate how the industry (companies, recruiters, individuals) overcomplicates everything. https://www.linkedin.com/in/timrechin/

BBfYT1AI1Yw425WbDA · Answer

Keep working Hard, that's what will set you apart from your competition

How are some new grads making the same as a design lead?

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