Art Director Salary in Colorado
Based on 720+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$99,990
$48.07/hr
vs National Average
$94,938
+5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $163K
720 employed in Colorado
Art Director salary in Colorado averages $99,990 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 5% higher. With approximately 720 art directors employed throughout Colorado, the field represents a solid career opportunity in the state's creative industries. Salaries in this role range from $73,110 to $162,610 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence Art Director salary in Colorado, including years of professional experience, portfolio strength, and industry sector. Geographic location within the state, company size, and the complexity of projects assigned also play important roles in compensation. Additionally, specialized skills in digital design, video production, or emerging technologies can command higher salaries, as can leadership responsibilities overseeing creative teams.
Salary Distribution — Art Director in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,110 |
| 25th percentile | $81,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,990 |
| 75th percentile | $123,570 |
| 90th percentile | $162,610 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,990 |
| 2024 | $93,550 |
| 2025 | $99,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,989 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,990 | $88,111 |
| 2024 | $93,550 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $99,990 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,989 | $100,634 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $123,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,610 |
Art Director Salary in Other States
Related Art Director Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Art Director ($99,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Art Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CO | $90,590 | -9.4% | $43.55/hr |
| Interior Designer in CO | $78,390 | -21.6% | $37.69/hr |
| Producer and Director in CO | $78,060 | -21.9% | $37.53/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CO | $66,330 | -33.7% | $31.89/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CO | $56,790 | -43.2% | $27.30/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CO | $100,080 | +0.1% | $48.12/hr |
| Registered Nurse in CO | $100,260 | +0.3% | $48.20/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CO | $99,610 | -0.4% | $47.89/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | +1.4% | $48.72/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | +1.4% | $48.76/hr |
| Chemist in CO | $101,980 | +2.0% | $49.03/hr |
| Physical Therapist in CO | $102,030 | +2.0% | $49.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make in Colorado?
- Art directors in Colorado earn a median salary of $99,990 per year, or $48 per hour. This is 5.3% higher than the national average for the role, making Colorado a competitive market for art directors.
What is the salary range for art directors in Colorado?
- Art director salaries in Colorado range from $73,110 at the low end to $162,610 at the high end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer size across the state's 720 employed art directors.
Is Colorado a good state for art director salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for art directors with a median of $99,990 annually, which is 5.3% higher than the national average. This makes it an attractive location for professionals in this field.
How many art directors work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 720 art directors currently employed in Colorado. This represents a stable job market for creative professionals in the state.