Art Director Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 2K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$149,320
$71.79/hr
vs National Average
$94,938
+57.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $218K
2K employed in Massachusetts
Art Directors in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $149,320 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 57 percent. With approximately 1,850 workers employed in this role across the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation for creative professionals. The salary range spans from $78,470 to $218,270, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available in this market.
Several factors influence Art Director salary in Massachusetts, including experience level, industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state. Creative professionals working in Boston's robust design and advertising industries typically command higher wages than those in smaller markets. Education credentials, portfolio strength, and specialized skills in digital design or branding also play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Art Director in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,470 |
| 25th percentile | $101,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $149,320 |
| 75th percentile | $169,710 |
| 90th percentile | $218,270 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,700 |
| 2023 | $107,130 |
| 2024 | $131,050 |
| 2025 | $149,320 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,279 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $108,700 | $88,111 |
| 2023 | $107,130 | $89,717 |
| 2024 | $131,050 | $93,068 |
| 2025 | $149,320 | $94,938 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,279 | $100,634 |
Art Director Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $149,320 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $169,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $218,270 |
Art Director Salary in Other States
Related Art Director Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Art Director ($149,320 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Art Director | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in MA | $101,720 | -31.9% | $48.90/hr |
| Producer and Director in MA | $80,970 | -45.8% | $38.93/hr |
| Interior Designer in MA | $80,110 | -46.4% | $38.51/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MA | $76,710 | -48.6% | $36.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in MA | $149,470 | +0.1% | $71.86/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in MA | $148,050 | -0.9% | $71.18/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +1.6% | $72.95/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in MA | $145,760 | -2.4% | $70.08/hr |
| Construction Manager in MA | $145,010 | -2.9% | $69.72/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MA | $155,060 | +3.8% | $74.55/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MA | $143,350 | -4.0% | $68.92/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in MA | $142,440 | -4.6% | $68.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do art directors make in Massachusetts?
- Art directors in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $149,320 per year, or $72 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 57.3% premium for the state.
What is the salary range for art directors in Massachusetts?
- Art director salaries in Massachusetts range from $78,470 at the lower end to $218,270 at the upper end, providing substantial variation based on experience and employer.
Is being an art director in Massachusetts better paid than the national average?
- Yes, art directors in Massachusetts earn 57.3% more than the national average. The state's median salary of $149,320 per year significantly outpaces typical compensation across the United States.
How many art directors are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 1,850 art directors currently employed in Massachusetts, representing a substantial job market for this profession in the state.