CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$83,607/yr
Typical range: $86,691 – $111,911
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in Dallas
Illustrator 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 | $40,497 | $3,375 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $52,254 | $4,355 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $60,963 | $5,080 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $68,976 | $5,748 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $83,607 | $6,967 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $95,103 | $7,925 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $97,977 | $8,165 | +142% |
Current Salary
$83,607
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$95,103
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Illustrator salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in Dallas, TX earn approximately $84K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $84K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in Dallas, TX earns $87K–$112K/yr.