MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Communications Director Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$202,894/yr
Typical range: $181,024 – $221,245
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Communications Director salary by experience level in Austin
Communications 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 | $98,548 | $8,212 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,736 | $10,145 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,195 | $11,433 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $156,518 | $13,043 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $202,894 | $16,908 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $246,950 | $20,579 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $257,965 | $21,497 | +162% |
Current Salary
$202,894
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$246,950
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Communications Director salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Communications Directors in Austin, TX earn approximately $203K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Communications Director make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $203K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Communications Director in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Communications Director in Austin, TX earns $181K–$221K/yr.