Palo Alto Salaries
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- laurus
Anybody know salary ranges for senior web creatives in Palo Alto? Is it different in different types of companies (startup, media, advertising, etc.)?
Sr. Creative Director/VP Creative.
- laurus0
Thanks, but they didn't have relevant info.
- material-10
120,000+
- laurus0
Thanks – that sounds kinda low. People get more than that in less senior positions.
- smielke0
If I had to guess I'd say 140-150. Thats about what it is down here in the OC.
The cost of living is more up there than it is here as well.
- subversve0
it varies a lot over here in the bay area. at a well established tech company, you could assume those salary ranges, but at a startup you wouldn't get anything close to that (but they might try to compensate with stock). i imagine you'd be hard pressed to get 150k+ out of a design firm (unless you're talking about ideo), but i'm not certain about that. all in all, there isn't a straight forward answer to your question without more specifics.
- laurus0
It's a well funded web 2.0 startup - they already offered more than 150 and equity.
Sounds a little low for the bay area and the role to me, but the only place I worked in in the US before was NYC. I hear rent is very high there + you have to have two cars if you have a family.
- madirish0
i would say the 150 range + equity is what you will find to be common, especially if there is external funding as part of the venture; thus the equity valuation rises.
the rent there is very high- much higher than you will think is sane. salaries however, will be lower respectivly that in NYC for similar position/role/interest. the payoff though is literally in the 'payoff'- you cash in and what they are valuating your position based off.
also (and unrelated); have you ever worked with Experientia in Torino before, laurus? you have a very well-balanced portfolio as well.
- subversve0
well then, shows you what i know ;)
2 startups have approached me in the past, each offering around 100k + stock. i guess it depends on how well funded they are. on a side note, the freelancing around here is insane. you can make a bit more than you're being offered (not counting options), so it's a way to suplement your income if you find you need more. honestly though, i think people overestimate how expensive the bay area is. you can live well on 150k...
- madirish0
good point, subversive. i also think it has much to do with what is being defined as the the 'bay area'. SJ to Oakland is much more pricey than say, Pittsburgh (even that is considered bay area now) or say way south of SJ into Morgan hill, etc.
off hand, do you find a lot of people needing design help look to locals, or remote is cool with them? i grew up there but have focused my efforts on east coast agencies. i would be interested to see if anyone needs/wants help w/ a remote AD.
- material-10
yep sorry that was kinda low.
160,000 +
- e-pill0
i love this thread...it describes realistic salaries for that level position and its area.
i hate the double standard ttoward NYC Design Salary trhreads when we post up these same numbers people here are always trying to figure out why they arent getting those numbers and then rant and complain that those numbers must be fake.
good for you Cali Designers, i tip my hat to you and your great salaries with must come from all your hard work.
:)
- subversve0
off hand, do you find a lot of people needing design help look to locals, or remote is cool with them?
madirish
(Apr 2 07, 08:58)not sure about AD. i have a few clients outside the bay area, but it's UI work. most of my clients in the bay area don't have a problem with me working from my own office, but they do like me to come in from time to time.
then again, i don't have much experience with freelance art directors. mostly dealing with large corporations who have (or contract) their own directors and stake-holders.
- madirish0
160,000 +
material
(Apr 2 07, 09:24)just like boulder...
sorry, i know that is not funny.
- madirish0
good info, subversve.
i ask only because i may have an opportunity to do some work for a group there and was looking for more of a reason to possibly market myself to other agencies there. i know there is somewhat of a left vs. right coast mentality (subtle) but wanted to get some insights.
i do quite a bit of UI work as well, so maybe it could work out?
- material-10
not sure what a senior CD makes here but houses don't cost a mil around here either...
Opps I take that back
- material-10
only been away from cali for a year and my perspective is all jacked
- ewirtz0
How about San Diego?
My family and I are looking to move back there from Baltimore after 2 years here.
- madirish0
you have some really great work in your book, ewirtz.
i almost aplied for that senior AD position at Fila a couple years back.... :)
- same0
Sr Creative Director at a small company 150ish
Large company 200+