CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Creative Director Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$270,502/yr
Typical range: $280,480 – $362,078
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Creative Director salary by experience level in Boston
Creative Director Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $131,025 | $10,919 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $169,064 | $14,089 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $197,241 | $16,437 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $223,164 | $18,597 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $270,502 | $22,542 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $307,696 | $25,641 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $316,995 | $26,416 | +142% |
Current Salary
$270,502
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $130/hr
Next Level Target
$307,696
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Creative Director salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Creative Directors in Boston, MA earn approximately $271K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $271K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $130/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Creative Director in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Creative Director in Boston, MA earns $280K–$362K/yr.