Roles + Rates

This guide outlines each of the roles available within The Design Guild, including a short description, the hourly rate billed to clients, and the corresponding rate paid to Guild members. These rates help us scope projects clearly and ensure fair, transparent compensation across the board.

Our rates were established by reviewing multiple salary surveys for industry-standard freelance rates in the San Francisco Bay Area. We adjust the Guild member rates down by approximately 15% from the industry average, and apply a 30% markup to determine the client-facing rate. That markup is intentionally split between the client and the Guild member—because both benefit from the Guild model. Clients receive experienced, trusted professionals under a unified system, and Guild members gain access to high-quality projects, aligned teams, and streamlined infrastructure.

The 30% markup covers shared Guild overhead: systems, tools, client acquisition, contracts, billing, and project management support.

All rates are reviewed and updated annually to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strategist

Strategists play a key role in helping clients achieve their business goals through effective branding and communication strategies. They work closely with designers, writers, and developers to conduct research, analyze data, and develop insights that inform the creative process.
Client Rate: $175
Guild Member Rate: $135

Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of client projects. They work closely with Project Directors and other team members to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. They manage client expectations and communicate project status updates to both internal and external stakeholders.
Client Rate: $131
Guild Member Rate: $101

Associate Project Manager

Associate Project Managers support the day-to-day operations of client projects. They work under the guidance of Project Managers or Project Directors, assisting with timelines, task coordination, and communication.
Client Rate: $105
Guild Member Rate: $81

Creative Director

Creative Directors lead the creative vision and direction of projects. They collaborate with clients to understand their business goals and develop creative strategies that effectively communicate their brand message. They also mentor teams of designers, writers, and developers to ensure high-quality creative output.
Client Rate: $158
Guild Member Rate: $121

Art Director

Art Directors lead the visual design of branding and communication projects. They develop creative concepts that reflect client goals and manage visual execution through to final delivery. They also provide oversight to graphic designers.
Client Rate: $142
Guild Member Rate: $109

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual elements for branding and communication projects. They execute high-quality layouts, graphics, and visual assets across formats, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines.
Client Rate: $131
Guild Member Rate: $101

Associate Graphic Designer

Associate Graphic Designers support the design team in creating visual content. This entry-level role is ideal for emerging designers with a foundational understanding of design principles.
Client Rate: $89
Guild Member Rate: $69

Web Designer

Web Designers translate brand strategy into intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences. They create responsive layouts and interface designs, collaborating closely with developers and content teams.
Client Rate: $131
Guild Member Rate: $101

Associate Web Designer

Associate Web Designers assist with wireframes, page mockups, and design assets. They support more senior designers while developing their skills in digital design.
Client Rate: $89
Guild Member Rate: $69

Copywriter

Copywriters craft compelling written content for campaigns, websites, and social platforms. They create messaging that captures tone, voice, and clarity across multiple media.
Client Rate: $131
Guild Member Rate: $101

Associate Copywriter

Associate Copywriters support content creation by drafting and refining copy across platforms. This role is ideal for new writers building professional experience.
Client Rate: $89
Guild Member Rate: $68.46

Web Developer

Web Developers bring designs to life using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other technologies. They ensure websites are functional, responsive, and user-friendly.
Client Rate: $101
Guild Member Rate: $77.69

App Developer

App Developers create mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms. They work closely with the team to ensure apps are usable, beautiful, and aligned with client needs.
Client Rate: $131
Guild Member Rate: $101

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers implement content calendars, post engaging content, and monitor performance. They help grow and maintain an active digital presence for clients.
Client Rate: $52
Guild Member Rate: $40.00

Social Media Strategist

Social Media Strategists develop and analyze campaign strategies to build audience engagement. They provide insight into trends, platforms, and analytics.
Client Rate: $100
Guild Member Rate: $77

Latinx Community Engagement Manager

Latinx Community Engagement Managers design culturally relevant outreach strategies and maintain relationships with community organizations and leaders.
Client Rate: $102
Guild Member Rate: $79

Translation Team Manager

Translation Team Managers coordinate multilingual translation teams and ensure timely, high-quality delivery across materials and platforms.
Client Rate: $117
Guild Member Rate: $90

Translator (Live)

Live Translators provide real-time interpretation during meetings, workshops, or events. They must convey meaning clearly, quickly, and with nuance.
Client Rate: $105
Guild Member Rate: $81