Art Director Salary in Kentucky
Based on 320+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$76,160
$36.62/hr
vs National Average
$94,938
-19.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $122K
320 employed in Kentucky
Art Director salary in Kentucky averages $76,160 per year, according to current labor data. This median reflects compensation for the approximately 320 art directors working throughout the state. However, Kentucky's art director salaries run about 20% below the national average, a gap that may reflect regional differences in cost of living and market demand.
Several factors influence Art Director salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, industry sector, and geographic location within the state. Specialized skills in digital design or emerging technologies can command higher pay, as can positions in larger metropolitan areas. Educational background and portfolio quality also play significant roles in determining where individual salaries fall within the state's $42,990 to $121,940 range.
Salary Distribution — Art Director in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,990 |
| 25th percentile | $59,530 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,160 |
| 75th percentile | $98,320 |
| 90th percentile | $121,940 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,260 |
| 2023 | $73,640 |
| 2024 | $68,420 |
| 2025 | $76,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,730 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,260 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $73,640 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $68,420 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $76,160 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,730 | $100,634 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,530 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $121,940 |
Art Director Salary in Other States
Related Art Director Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Art Director ($76,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Art Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in KY | $76,100 | -0.1% | $36.59/hr |
| Interior Designer in KY | $59,240 | -22.2% | $28.48/hr |
| Producer and Director in KY | $54,550 | -28.4% | $26.23/hr |
| Graphic Designer in KY | $52,960 | -30.5% | $25.46/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in KY | $48,320 | -36.6% | $23.23/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | +0.1% | $36.66/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KY | $76,860 | +0.9% | $36.95/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in KY | $77,000 | +1.1% | $37.02/hr |
| Accountant in KY | $75,270 | -1.2% | $36.19/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | +1.8% | $37.26/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | +1.9% | $37.30/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | -1.9% | $35.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for art directors in Kentucky is $76,160 per year, or $37 per hour. This is approximately 19.8% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for art directors in Kentucky?
- Art directors in Kentucky earn between $42,990 and $121,940 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation across different companies and career levels.
How many art directors are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 320 art directors currently employed in Kentucky, representing the total workforce in this field across the state.
Is the art director salary in Kentucky below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median art director salary of $76,160 is 19.8% lower than the national average. Job seekers in this state can expect to earn less than their counterparts in other states for the same position.