Art Director Salary in Illinois
Based on 3K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$103,550
$49.78/hr
vs National Average
$94,938
+9.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $172K
3K employed in Illinois
Art Director salary in Illinois averages $103,550 annually, positioning the state as a competitive market for creative professionals. This median is approximately 9% higher than the national average, reflecting Illinois's robust design and advertising sectors. With nearly 3,000 art directors employed throughout the state, the role remains a substantial part of Illinois's creative workforce.
Several factors influence Art Director salary in Illinois, including industry sector, years of experience, and company size. Professionals working in major metropolitan areas like Chicago typically command higher compensation than those in smaller markets. Educational background, portfolio strength, and specialization in high-demand design areas also significantly impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Art Director in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,200 |
| 25th percentile | $79,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,550 |
| 75th percentile | $134,680 |
| 90th percentile | $172,050 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,790 |
| 2023 | $102,050 |
| 2024 | $100,530 |
| 2025 | $103,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,661 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,790 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $102,050 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $100,530 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $103,550 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,661 | $97,790 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $134,680 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $172,050 |
Art Director Salary in Other States
Related Art Director Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Art Director ($103,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Art Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer and Director in IL | $81,080 | -21.7% | $38.98/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | -26.3% | $36.68/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | -39.6% | $30.08/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -41.3% | $29.20/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IL | $103,570 | +0.0% | $49.79/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IL | $103,470 | -0.1% | $49.75/hr |
| Management Analyst in IL | $104,270 | +0.7% | $50.13/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | -0.8% | $49.37/hr |
| Physical Therapist in IL | $105,250 | +1.6% | $50.60/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IL | $101,570 | -1.9% | $48.83/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IL | $105,750 | +2.1% | $50.84/hr |
| Financial Analyst in IL | $101,180 | -2.3% | $48.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make in Illinois?
- Art directors in Illinois earn a median salary of $103,550 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 9.1% higher than the national average for the position, making Illinois a well-paying state for this career.
What is the salary range for art directors in Illinois?
- Art director salaries in Illinois range from $69,200 at the lower end to $172,050 at the upper end, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career stage and specialization within the field.
Is Illinois a good state for art director salaries?
- Yes, Illinois offers competitive pay for art directors, with salaries 9.1% above the national average. The median salary of $103,550 per year demonstrates that Illinois employers value this role well compared to other states.
How many art directors work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 2,960 art directors employed in Illinois, indicating a solid job market for professionals in this field across the state.