Art Director Salary in the United States
Based on 50K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$94,938
$45.64/hr
▲ 2.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$60K – $162K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
50K
workers nationwide
The median Art Director salary in the United States is $94,938 per year, equating to approximately $46 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this creative field, with a typical salary range falling between $60,487 and $161,805 annually.
Several factors influence an Art Director's compensation. Experience level, the size and type of the company, geographic location, and specific industry demands all play a significant role in determining an Art Director salary in the United States. Those in high-demand markets or with extensive portfolios often command higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Art Director
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,487 |
| 25th percentile | $75,213 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,938 |
| 75th percentile | $121,640 |
| 90th percentile | $161,805 |
Art Director Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Art Director
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $149,320 | +57.3% | 2K |
| 2 | California | $137,780 | +45.1% | 12K |
| 3 | New York | $137,320 | +44.6% | 9K |
| 4 | Oregon | $133,840 | +41.0% | 1K |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $132,000 | +39.0% | 160 |
| 6 | Vermont | $129,260 | +36.2% | 80 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $129,200 | +36.1% | 2K |
| 8 | Washington | $121,170 | +27.6% | 650 |
| 9 | Georgia | $110,430 | +16.3% | 1K |
| 10 | Minnesota | $109,700 | +15.5% | 920 |
Art Director Salary by Industry
How much Art Directors earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($140,600 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $140,600 | +48.1% | 550 |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $136,020 | +43.3% | 3K |
| 3 | Information | $129,620 | +36.5% | 9K |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $129,430 | +36.3% | 2K |
| 5 | Construction | $126,200 | +32.9% | — |
| 6 | Retail Trade | $125,890 | +32.6% | 2K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $123,730 | +30.3% | 2K |
| 8 | Manufacturing | $110,290 | +16.2% | 2K |
| 9 | Transportation and Warehousing | $110,020 | +15.9% | 60 |
| 10 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $109,980 | +15.8% | 27K |
| 11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $90,400 | -4.8% | — |
| 12 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $88,460 | -6.8% | 790 |
| 13 | Educational Services | $86,650 | -8.7% | 2K |
| 14 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $86,250 | -9.2% | 320 |
| 15 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $74,490 | -21.5% | 210 |
| 16 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $72,800 | -23.3% | 640 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Art Director
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Art Director roles, with their median base salary.
Historical Salary Trend — Art Director
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,846 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Art Director Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,213 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $94,938 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $121,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $161,805 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Art Director salary in the US?
- The median Art Director salary in the United States is $94,938 annually. This means half of Art Directors earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the typical range being from $60,487 to $161,805.
Which state pays Art Directors the most?
- Massachusetts offers the highest compensation for Art Directors, with a median salary of $149,320 per year. This figure is significantly above the national median of $94,938.
How many Art Directors are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 49,580 Art Directors employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial number of professionals contributing to the creative industry.
What is the hourly rate for an Art Director?
- Based on the median annual salary of $94,938, an Art Director typically earns around $46 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the full-time commitment often associated with the role.