CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Art Director Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$139,747/yr
Typical range: $144,901 – $187,056
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in Dallas
Art Director Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $67,690 | $5,641 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $87,342 | $7,279 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $101,899 | $8,492 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $115,291 | $9,608 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $139,747 | $11,646 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $158,962 | $13,247 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $163,766 | $13,647 | +142% |
Current Salary
$139,747
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $67/hr
Next Level Target
$158,962
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Art Director salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Art Directors in Dallas, TX earn approximately $140K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $140K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $67/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Art Director in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in Dallas, TX earns $145K–$187K/yr.