Position
Salary

How much does a Art Director make?

The average salary for a Art Director is $120,093 per year in the US.

An Art Director uses creativity to bring visual ideas to life, often working in advertising, publishing, or film. Their role is crucial in making sure the visual elements of a project align with the overall vision. The average yearly salary for an Art Director stands at $120,093, reflecting the value of their work in the industry.

The salary range for Art Directors can vary widely. The lowest 10 percent earn around $41,000, while the top 10 percent earn over $240,000. Factors that can influence earnings include experience, location, and the type of company. For example, those in metropolitan areas or working for large firms may see higher pay. As Art Directors gain experience, their skills and reputation often lead to higher-paying opportunities.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Art Director?

Art directors can find some of the best pay in major cities across the country. San Francisco offers the highest average salary for art directors at nearly $154,000 a year. Los Angeles and Seattle also provide strong compensation, with average salaries exceeding $120,000. Other cities like Austin, Atlanta, and Boston offer attractive salaries as well. These cities provide excellent opportunities for art directors to leverage their creative talents and earn a competitive income.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Art Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $153,989 and Minneapolis, MN with the lowest at $104,302.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $153,989
    In San Francisco, creativity thrives in the tech hub. Art Directors here often work with top tech firms, blending art and technology in innovative ways. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer dynamic environments for those passionate about visual storytelling.
    Find Art Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $140,118
    Seattle boasts a vibrant arts scene and a booming tech industry. Art Directors here collaborate with companies such as Amazon and Microsoft. The city's unique blend of technology and creativity makes it a prime spot for visual innovators.
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  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $122,217
    In Los Angeles, the entertainment industry's heartbeat drives the art world. Art Directors find opportunities with major studios like Disney and Warner Bros. The city's rich cultural diversity adds a unique flavor to creative projects.
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  4. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $115,640
    Austin offers a mix of creativity and tech innovation. Art Directors work with companies like Dell and Apple, benefiting from the city's lively music and arts culture. The fast-paced environment fosters new ideas and collaborations.
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  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $111,499
    Atlanta is a growing hub for media and entertainment. Art Directors here find work with Turner Broadcasting and Coca-Cola. The city's expanding business scene provides numerous opportunities for creative professionals.
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  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $109,676
    Boston's rich history and educational institutions create a unique backdrop for art. Art Directors collaborate with firms like Fidelity Investments and Biogen. The city's blend of tradition and innovation offers diverse projects.
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  7. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $105,305
    Orlando's focus on tourism and entertainment makes it a creative hotspot. Art Directors work with companies like Disney and Universal Studios. The city's vibrant atmosphere provides endless inspiration for visual projects.
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  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $105,156
    In Washington, DC, political and media industries drive art needs. Art Directors find opportunities with agencies like The Washington Post and NPR. The city's historical and political context adds depth to creative work.
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  9. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $104,672
    Denver's outdoor culture and tech growth make it a great place for Art Directors. Companies like Expedia and Molson Coors offer diverse projects. The city's natural beauty and creative community provide a unique work environment.
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  10. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $104,302
    Minneapolis offers a mix of creativity and industry. Art Directors work with firms like Target and General Mills. The city's rich arts scene and innovative companies foster a collaborative atmosphere.
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What are the best companies a Art Director can work for?

Art Directors can find lucrative opportunities at top companies. Apple offers an average salary of $178,307, leading the pack. Other high-paying firms include BGB Group, Amazon.com, and IPG Health, each providing competitive compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Art Director jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $178,307 and RR Donnelley with the lowest at $104,104.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $178,307
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Art Directors. They focus on creating visually stunning products and campaigns. Apple operates in many locations globally, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  2. BGB Group
    Average Salary: $157,500
    BGB Group is known for its innovative marketing strategies. Art Directors here craft compelling visual narratives. The company has a strong presence in North America and Europe.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $150,958
    At Amazon, Art Directors work on large-scale projects that impact millions. They create engaging visuals for various products and services. Amazon operates worldwide, with key hubs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  4. IPG Health
    Average Salary: $148,929
    IPG Health offers dynamic roles for Art Directors in the healthcare sector. They develop impactful visual content for medical campaigns. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  5. EVERSANA
    Average Salary: $145,643
    EVERSANA provides unique opportunities for Art Directors in the healthcare industry. They create beautiful visuals for pharmaceutical campaigns. The company operates globally with offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  6. Hasbro, Inc.
    Average Salary: $135,488
    Hasbro, Inc. offers creative roles for Art Directors focused on toy design. They design vibrant and innovative visuals. The company operates internationally, with significant locations in the U.S. and Europe.


  7. Accenture
    Average Salary: $119,198
    Accenture provides Art Directors with the chance to work on diverse projects. They create compelling visuals for various corporate clients. Accenture has a global presence, with key offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  8. RR Donnelley
    Average Salary: $104,104
    RR Donnelley offers opportunities for Art Directors in print and digital media. They create engaging visuals for marketing materials. The company operates worldwide, with significant locations in the U.S. and Europe.

How to earn more as a Art Director?

To increase earnings as an Art Director, one should focus on several key strategies. Gaining experience and mastering new skills can lead to higher salaries. Art Directors who expand their portfolio with diverse projects often attract higher-paying clients. Networking within the industry opens doors to lucrative job opportunities. Staying updated with the latest design software and trends helps in delivering top-notch work efficiently. Seeking advanced certifications can also enhance job prospects and command better pay.

Another crucial factor is choosing the right industry. Certain sectors, such as advertising, film, and tech, typically offer higher salaries for Art Directors. Pursuing leadership roles within a company can also lead to salary increases. Continuous learning and professional development keep an Art Director competitive and valuable in the job market. Employers often reward Art Directors who take initiative and lead successful projects. By focusing on these areas, Art Directors can effectively increase their earnings.

To further illustrate, here are five factors to consider:

  1. Gain experience and skills
  2. Expand the portfolio
  3. Network within the industry
  4. Stay updated with trends
  5. Seek advanced certifications

Currently 126 Art Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Art Director in the US?

Learn what a Art Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Art Director today.
Position
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Art Director
126 Job Openings