Art Director Salary in Arkansas
Based on 240+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$71,930
$34.58/hr
vs National Average
$94,938
-24.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $130K
240 employed in Arkansas
The median Art Director salary in Arkansas is $71,930 per year, with approximately 240 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls roughly 24% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and market demand. Salaries in this field typically range from $52,990 to $130,030 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Art Director compensation throughout Arkansas. Experience level, portfolio quality, and industry sector—such as advertising, publishing, or in-house corporate roles—significantly impact earning potential. Geographic location within the state, company size, and additional specialized skills in digital design or emerging technologies can also affect salary outcomes. Freelance opportunities and geographic proximity to larger creative hubs may provide pathways to higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Art Director in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,990 |
| 25th percentile | $62,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $71,930 |
| 75th percentile | $82,070 |
| 90th percentile | $130,030 |
Top-Paying Industries for Art Director (U.S.)
Which industries pay Art Directors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Art Directors in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $140,600 | 550 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $136,020 | 3K |
| Information | $129,620 | 9K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $129,430 | 2K |
| Construction | $126,200 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Art Director in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,490 |
| 2023 | $63,610 |
| 2024 | $67,320 |
| 2025 | $71,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,246 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,490 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $63,610 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $67,320 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $71,930 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,246 | $100,634 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $71,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $82,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $130,030 |
Art Director Salary in Other States
Related Art Director Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Art Director ($71,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Art Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in AR | $92,540 | +28.7% | $44.49/hr |
| Interior Designer in AR | $69,990 | -2.7% | $33.65/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AR | $46,220 | -35.7% | $22.22/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in AR | $43,910 | -39.0% | $21.11/hr |
| Producer and Director in AR | $38,820 | -46.0% | $18.66/hr |
| Budget Analyst in AR | $71,800 | -0.2% | $34.52/hr |
| Credit Analyst in AR | $71,370 | -0.8% | $34.31/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AR | $72,530 | +0.8% | $34.87/hr |
| Management Analyst in AR | $72,950 | +1.4% | $35.07/hr |
| Loan Officer in AR | $70,260 | -2.3% | $33.78/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in AR | $73,800 | +2.6% | $35.48/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in AR | $73,870 | +2.7% | $35.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for art directors in Arkansas is $71,930 per year, or approximately $35 per hour. This is about 24.2% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for art directors in Arkansas?
- Art directors in Arkansas earn between $52,990 and $130,030 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation across different companies and career stages.
How many art director jobs are available in Arkansas?
- There are currently 240 art directors employed in Arkansas, representing the total employment for this role in the state.
Is the art director salary in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas art directors earn 24.2% less than the national average, with a median of $71,930 compared to higher salaries in other states. This lower pay may reflect regional cost of living differences and local job market conditions.