Art Director Salary in the United States
Based on 50K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$93,068
$44.744/hr
▲ 3.7% vs 2023Salary Range
$80K – $213K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
50K
workers nationwide
The median Art Director salary in the United States is $93,068 per year, reflecting solid compensation for creative professionals in this field. With approximately 49,800 workers currently employed as Art Directors across the country, this represents a stable career path for those pursuing design and creative direction roles in various industries.
Several factors influence Art Director salary in the United States, including years of experience, industry sector, geographic location, and portfolio strength. Senior Art Directors working in high-demand markets like New York or Los Angeles typically earn significantly more than their counterparts, with salaries ranging from $80,020 to $213,260 depending on these variables and individual qualifications.
Salary Distribution — Art Director
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,020 |
| 25th percentile | $101,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $93,068 |
| 75th percentile | $197,600 |
| 90th percentile | $213,260 |
Art Director Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Art Director
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $148,410 | +59.5% | 1K |
| 2 | Washington | $143,490 | +54.2% | 2K |
| 3 | New York | $136,610 | +46.8% | 8K |
| 4 | California | $133,930 | +43.9% | 13K |
| 5 | Georgia | $131,620 | +41.4% | 1K |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $131,050 | +40.8% | 2K |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $126,520 | +35.9% | — |
| 8 | New Jersey | $126,030 | +35.4% | 2K |
| 9 | Hawaii | $108,420 | +16.5% | 40 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $101,890 | +9.5% | 120 |
Historical Salary Trend — Art Director
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $93,068 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make per hour in the United States?
- Art directors in the United States earn a median of $45 per hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $93,068, making it a solid mid-level creative position.
What is the salary range for art directors in the US?
- Art director salaries in the United States range from $80,020 at the lower end to $213,260 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer size.
Which city pays art directors the most in the United States?
- Oregon is the top paying city for art directors in the United States, offering salaries up to $148,410. This is significantly higher than the national median of $93,068.
How many art directors are currently employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 49,800 art directors employed in the United States, representing a stable career field with consistent job opportunities.