CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Art Director Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$92,948/yr
Typical range: $87,500 – $112,956
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in Washington DC
Art Director Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $92,948 | $7,746 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,933 | $9,994 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $139,922 | $11,660 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,311 | $13,193 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $191,892 | $15,991 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $218,278 | $18,190 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $224,874 | $18,740 | +142% |
Current Salary
$92,948
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $45/hr
Next Level Target
$119,933
Junior · 2
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Art Director salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Art Directors in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $93K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Art Director make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $93K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $45/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Art Director in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in Washington DC, DC earns $199K–$257K/yr.