CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Art Director Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$180,352/yr
Typical range: $187,004 – $241,408
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Art Director Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $87,358 | $7,280 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,720 | $9,393 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,507 | $10,959 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $148,790 | $12,399 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $180,352 | $15,029 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,150 | $17,096 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,350 | $17,613 | +142% |
Current Salary
$180,352
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $87/hr
Next Level Target
$205,150
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Art Directors in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $180K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $180K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $87/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Art Director in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in Los Angeles, CA earns $187K–$241K/yr.