CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Creative Director Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$215,731/yr
Typical range: $223,688 – $288,765
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Creative Director salary by experience level in Austin
Creative 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 | $104,495 | $8,708 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $134,832 | $11,236 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,304 | $13,109 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $177,978 | $14,832 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $215,731 | $17,978 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $245,394 | $20,450 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $252,810 | $21,068 | +142% |
Current Salary
$215,731
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$245,394
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Creative Director salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Creative Directors in Austin, TX earn approximately $216K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Creative Director make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $216K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Creative Director in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Creative Director in Austin, TX earns $224K–$289K/yr.