CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Art Director Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$153,052/yr
Typical range: $158,697 – $204,867
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in Austin
Art Director Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $74,135 | $6,178 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,658 | $7,972 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,601 | $9,300 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $126,268 | $10,522 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $153,052 | $12,754 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $174,097 | $14,508 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $179,358 | $14,947 | +142% |
Current Salary
$153,052
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $74/hr
Next Level Target
$174,097
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Art Director salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Art Directors in Austin, TX earn approximately $153K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Art Director make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $153K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $74/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Art Director in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in Austin, TX earns $159K–$205K/yr.