MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Communications Director Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$219,792/yr
Typical range: $196,101 – $239,671
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Communications Director salary by experience level in New York
Communications Director Salary Progression in New York
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 | $106,756 | $8,896 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,875 | $10,990 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $148,621 | $12,385 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $169,554 | $14,130 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $219,792 | $18,316 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $267,518 | $22,293 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $279,449 | $23,287 | +162% |
Current Salary
$219,792
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $106/hr
Next Level Target
$267,518
Principal · 14
+$48Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Communications Director salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Communications Directors in New York, NY earn approximately $220K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $220K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $106/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Communications Director in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Communications Director in New York, NY earns $196K–$240K/yr.