CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Creative Director Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$191,757/yr
Typical range: $198,830 – $256,674
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Creative Director salary by experience level in Dallas
Creative Director Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $92,882 | $7,740 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,848 | $9,987 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $139,823 | $11,652 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,199 | $13,183 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $191,757 | $15,980 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $218,123 | $18,177 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $224,715 | $18,726 | +142% |
Current Salary
$191,757
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$218,123
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Creative Director salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Creative Directors in Dallas, TX earn approximately $192K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $192K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Creative Director in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Creative Director in Dallas, TX earns $199K–$257K/yr.