CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Creative Director Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$266,625/yr
Typical range: $276,459 – $356,889
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Creative Director salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Creative Director Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $129,147 | $10,762 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $166,641 | $13,887 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $194,414 | $16,201 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $219,966 | $18,331 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $266,625 | $22,219 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $303,286 | $25,274 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $312,452 | $26,038 | +142% |
Current Salary
$266,625
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$303,286
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 Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Creative Directors in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $267K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $267K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Creative Director in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Creative Director in Los Angeles, CA earns $276K–$357K/yr.