CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$89,764/yr
Typical range: $93,075 – $120,153
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in Austin
Illustrator 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 | $43,479 | $3,623 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $56,102 | $4,675 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $65,453 | $5,454 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $74,055 | $6,171 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $89,764 | $7,480 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $102,106 | $8,509 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $105,192 | $8,766 | +142% |
Current Salary
$89,764
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $43/hr
Next Level Target
$102,106
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Illustrator salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in Austin, TX earn approximately $90K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Illustrator make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $90K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $43/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in Austin, TX earns $93K–$120K/yr.