Art Director Salary in Maryland
Based on 570+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$98,400
$47.31/hr
vs National Average
$94,938
+3.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $176K
570 employed in Maryland
Art Director salary in Maryland averages $98,400 per year, placing the state approximately 4% above the national average. With roughly 570 art directors currently employed in Maryland, the field offers competitive compensation for creative professionals. Salaries in this role typically range from $61,160 to $175,690 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Art Director salary in Maryland, including years of experience, portfolio strength, and industry sector. Art directors working in major markets like Baltimore and the Washington D.C. corridor often earn higher wages than those in smaller areas. Additionally, specialization in high-demand fields such as digital media, advertising, or user experience design can substantially impact earning potential compared to traditional print design roles.
Salary Distribution — Art Director in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,160 |
| 25th percentile | $80,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,400 |
| 75th percentile | $125,440 |
| 90th percentile | $175,690 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,950 |
| 2023 | $93,240 |
| 2024 | $100,230 |
| 2025 | $98,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,400 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,950 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $93,240 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $100,230 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $98,400 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,400 | $94,938 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $175,690 |
Art Director Salary in Other States
Related Art Director Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Art Director ($98,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Art Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer and Director in MD | $79,350 | -19.4% | $38.15/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MD | $75,120 | -23.7% | $36.12/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in MD | $70,870 | -28.0% | $34.07/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in MD | $70,040 | -28.8% | $33.67/hr |
| Interior Designer in MD | $65,070 | -33.9% | $31.28/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in MD | $99,190 | +0.8% | $47.69/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in MD | $97,570 | -0.8% | $46.91/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in MD | $97,410 | -1.0% | $46.83/hr |
| Registered Nurse in MD | $99,790 | +1.4% | $47.98/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in MD | $99,880 | +1.5% | $48.02/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in MD | $96,760 | -1.7% | $46.52/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in MD | $96,680 | -1.7% | $46.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make in Maryland?
- Art directors in Maryland earn a median salary of $98,400 per year, or $47 per hour. This is 3.6% higher than the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for art directors in Maryland?
- Art director salaries in Maryland range from $61,160 at the lower end to $175,690 at the upper end, providing significant earning potential based on experience and skill level.
Is Maryland a good state for art director salaries?
- Yes, Maryland offers competitive art director salaries with a median of $98,400 annually, which exceeds the national average by 3.6%, making it an above-average market for this profession.
How many art directors are employed in Maryland?
- There are approximately 570 art directors currently employed in Maryland, indicating a established job market for this creative profession in the state.