CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Graphic Designer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$94,627/yr
Typical range: $98,117 – $126,661
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Graphic Designer salary by experience level in Austin
Graphic Designer 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 | $45,835 | $3,820 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $59,142 | $4,929 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $68,999 | $5,750 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $78,067 | $6,506 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $94,627 | $7,886 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $107,638 | $8,970 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $110,891 | $9,241 | +142% |
Current Salary
$94,627
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $45/hr
Next Level Target
$107,638
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
21/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Graphic Designer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Graphic Designers in Austin, TX earn approximately $95K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Graphic Designer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $95K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $45/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Graphic Designer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Graphic Designer in Austin, TX earns $98K–$127K/yr.