Corporate HQs, no state income tax, fast-growing tech scene. Here's how Art Directors in Dallas–Fort Worth get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $87,000 | $66,100 | $113,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $108,200 | $82,200 | $140,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $124,400 | $94,500 | $161,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $149,200 | $113,400 | $194,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $169,100 | $128,500 | $219,900 |
Highest-paying metros for Art Directors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Dallas–Fort Worth metro economy.
The average Art Director salary in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro is $124,400 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $94,500 to $161,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $205,200 or more.
Yes — Dallas–Fort Worth pays +2% relative to the Texas state median for Art Directors. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Dallas–Fort Worth vs. national: +10%. That puts Dallas–Fort Worth among the stronger US markets for Art Directors — though cost of living in Dallas–Fort Worth is also typically elevated.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the median Art Director salary of $124,400 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Art Directors in Dallas–Fort Worth start around $87,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $149,200 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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