CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Art Director Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$196,091/yr
Typical range: $203,323 – $262,476
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in Seattle
Art Director Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $94,982 | $7,915 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,557 | $10,213 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $142,983 | $11,915 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $161,775 | $13,481 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $196,091 | $16,341 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $223,053 | $18,588 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $229,794 | $19,150 | +142% |
Current Salary
$196,091
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$223,053
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Art Director salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Art Directors in Seattle, WA earn approximately $196K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $196K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Art Director in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in Seattle, WA earns $203K–$262K/yr.