Overview Salaries

Creative Director Salaries

Updated on Dec 10, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Creative Director make?

The average salary for a Creative Director is $150,433 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $150,433 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $150,433 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $150,433 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $150,433 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Creative Director plays a key role in shaping the visual style and messages of a company. They lead a team of designers and artists, ensuring that all creative work aligns with the company's goals. This important job often comes with a rewarding salary. The average yearly salary for a Creative Director is around $150,433. This means that many Creative Directors earn a good living.

The salary for a Creative Director can vary based on experience, location, and the industry. For example, those in big cities or tech companies may earn more. Here is a look at the salary range for Creative Directors:

  • 10% earn less than $70,255
  • 25% earn between $70,255 and $90,509
  • 50% earn between $90,509 and $131,018
  • 75% earn between $131,018 and $171,527
  • 90% earn less than $191,782
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What are the highest paying cities for a Creative Director?

Creative Directors can find some of the best opportunities in major cities. San Francisco, CA, offers the highest average salary at $194,641. Los Angeles, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $168,898. These cities provide a dynamic environment for creative professionals. Other top cities include Seattle, WA, and Denver, CO, with average salaries of $160,023 and $150,784, respectively. Atlanta, GA, and Chicago, IL, also offer competitive salaries for Creative Directors.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Creative Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $194,641 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $126,805.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $194,641
    In San Francisco, leading tech firms offer exciting opportunities for creative minds. Companies like Google and Salesforce seek innovative directors to shape their brand identity. The city's vibrant culture fuels creative projects and collaborations.
    Find Creative Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $168,898
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for creative professionals. Major studios and advertising agencies look for directors to drive visual storytelling. The city's entertainment industry offers endless inspiration and networking opportunities.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $160,023
    Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. Creative directors here play a key role in branding and marketing. The city's innovative spirit and scenic backdrop make it an ideal place for creative work.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $150,784
    Denver offers a growing market for creative directors. Companies in the tech and media sectors seek fresh perspectives. The city's outdoor lifestyle and community-focused environment enhance creative processes.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Denver, CO


  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $149,858
    Atlanta is a hub for media and entertainment. Creative directors here work with companies like Turner and Coca-Cola. The city's diverse culture and growing tech scene provide rich opportunities for innovation.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Atlanta, GA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $144,418
    Chicago's rich history and vibrant arts scene attract creative directors. Companies like Wrigley and McDonald's look for innovative leaders. The city's diverse population and cultural events offer endless inspiration.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $143,227
    Boston's historic charm and academic influence make it a great place for creative directors. Companies like General Electric and Harvard seek innovative talent. The city's cultural events and tech startups provide a dynamic work environment.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $142,401
    Philadelphia offers a mix of history and modernity for creative directors. Companies like Comcast and Penn Medicine look for fresh ideas. The city's cultural scene and growing tech industry offer diverse opportunities.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $137,561
    Washington, DC, provides a unique blend of politics and creativity. Creative directors here work with government agencies and tech firms. The city's rich history and vibrant culture offer endless inspiration.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $126,805
    Austin's vibrant music and tech scene attract creative directors. Companies like Dell and Apple seek innovative leaders. The city's laid-back atmosphere and creative community make it an ideal place for new ideas.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Creative Director can work for?

Apple offers one of the highest salaries for Creative Director jobs, with an average of $269,280. Microsoft follows closely, providing an average salary of $217,254. IPG Health also pays well, with an average salary of $197,917. These companies value creativity and innovation, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Creative Director jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $269,280 and synchrony with the lowest at $122,500.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $269,280
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Creative Directors. They work in locations like Cupertino, California, and other global offices. Apple values creativity and innovation, making it a top choice for those in the field.


  2. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $217,254
    Microsoft provides a dynamic environment for Creative Directors. They operate in cities like Redmond, Washington, and other international hubs. Microsoft offers a blend of technology and creativity, ideal for ambitious professionals.


  3. IPG Health
    Average Salary: $197,917
    IPG Health is a leading agency in the health sector. Creative Directors here work in locations such as New York City and London. They focus on creating impactful campaigns that drive health and wellness initiatives.


  4. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $168,841
    Amazon offers diverse roles for Creative Directors. They work in Seattle, Washington, and other global offices. Amazon values creativity in storytelling and design, making it a great place for innovative thinkers.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $165,125
    Google provides a creative and collaborative environment for Creative Directors. They operate in locations like Mountain View, California, and other international offices. Google encourages creativity and innovation in all its projects.


  6. MC2
    Average Salary: $149,643
    MC2 offers exciting opportunities for Creative Directors. They work in cities like New York City and Los Angeles. MC2 focuses on creating engaging and impactful campaigns for its clients.


  7. synchrony
    Average Salary: $122,500
    synchrony provides a supportive environment for Creative Directors. They operate in locations like Stamford, Connecticut. synchrony values creativity and innovation, making it a great place for professionals looking to grow.

How to earn more as a Creative Director?

A Creative Director can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong portfolio that showcases a variety of successful projects can attract higher-paying clients. Networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Gaining experience in different sectors, such as advertising, film, or digital media, can make a Creative Director more versatile and valuable. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also enhance a Creative Director's skills and marketability.

Another way to earn more is by taking on leadership roles that require managing a team. This can include overseeing projects, mentoring junior designers, and collaborating with clients. Continuous learning and professional development can also lead to higher earnings. Attending workshops, seminars, and obtaining certifications can make a Creative Director more competitive in the job market. Effective communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly can also help in negotiating higher salaries and securing better job offers.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Creative Director:

  1. Build a strong portfolio
  2. Network with industry professionals
  3. Gain experience in different sectors
  4. Stay updated with trends and technologies
  5. Take on leadership roles

Currently 103 Creative Director job openings, nationwide.

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

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