Nike salaries revealed: How much the retail giant pays designers, software engineers, and other tech workers
Business Insider
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nike has significantly invested in tech and design roles as part of its strategy to revitalize its brand and boost revenue. The company's focus areas include culture, product innovation, and marketing, with initiatives like the launch of NikeSKIMS, an athleisure line for women, and a renewed emphasis on key sports such as running and basketball. Publicly available work visa data reveals the salaries for various roles within the company, highlighting its commitment to attracting top talent in technology, design, management, and marketing.
Nike has announced 755 open positions globally, signaling its intention to expand its tech and product teams. However, this investment comes alongside efforts to streamline operations through advanced automation and layoffs at distribution centers. The company’s leadership has undergone several changes, with promotions of key insiders to senior roles under CEO Elliott Hill, who rejoined Nike in October 2024. These moves aim to align employees around five strategic areas: culture, product, marketing, marketplace, and community engagement.
The salary data underscores Nike's emphasis on high-paying tech and design roles. Software engineers can earn between $124,592 and $203,581 annually, while senior directors in software engineering command over $300,000. Design positions also see significant compensation, with some roles offering up to $244,466 for directors of apparel design. Managers and marketing professionals are also well-compensated, with top-tier roles such as VP of Global Brand Marketing earning up to $425,000. These figures reflect Nike's commitment to innovation
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/15/2026