Overview Salaries

Creative Director Salaries

Updated on Oct 11, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Creative Director make?

The average salary for a Creative Director is $148,079 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $148,079 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $148,079 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $148,079 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Creative Director positions, showing an average salary of $148,079 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Creative Director plays a key role in shaping the visual and creative aspects of a company. This role often involves leading a team of designers and artists. The average yearly salary for a Creative Director is around $148,079. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the industry.

Creative Directors can earn more in certain areas. For example, those in big cities like New York or Los Angeles often see higher salaries. Industries such as advertising and entertainment also tend to offer more competitive pay. The salary range for Creative Directors can be quite broad, from $50,000 to $271,200 per year. This range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and advancement in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Creative Director?

Creative Directors in San Francisco, CA, enjoy the highest average salary at $195,265. This city offers a vibrant market for creative professionals. Los Angeles, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $167,039, making it another top choice for those in the field. Seattle, WA, and Denver, CO, also provide competitive salaries for Creative Directors, with averages of $154,040 and $153,733, respectively. These cities combine strong job opportunities with a high quality of life.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Creative Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $195,265 and Cincinnati, OH with the lowest at $127,306.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $195,265
    In San Francisco, a creative role thrives in a tech-driven environment. Companies like Google and Apple offer dynamic projects. The city's vibrant culture fuels innovative ideas.
    Find Creative Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $167,039
    Los Angeles provides a rich landscape for creative minds. With major studios like Disney and Warner Bros., opportunities abound. The city's diverse culture inspires unique projects.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $154,040
    Seattle's creative scene is vibrant and growing. Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft offer exciting projects. The city's natural beauty provides a serene backdrop for creativity.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $153,733
    Denver offers a blend of creativity and adventure. Companies like Chipotle and Denver Botanic Gardens provide diverse projects. The city's outdoor lifestyle enhances creative thinking.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Denver, CO


  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $147,631
    Atlanta is a hub for creativity and innovation. Companies like Coca-Cola and Turner Studios offer dynamic projects. The city's growing tech scene adds to the creative energy.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Atlanta, GA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $143,560
    Chicago's creative landscape is rich and diverse. With companies like Wrigley and Playboy, the city offers unique projects. The city's vibrant arts scene inspires fresh ideas.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $141,088
    Boston's creative environment is both historic and modern. Companies like General Electric and Harvard offer diverse projects. The city's academic influence enhances creative thinking.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $137,221
    In Washington, DC, creativity meets politics. Companies like Marriott and Smithsonian offer unique projects. The city's historical backdrop provides a rich source of inspiration.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $134,734
    Philadelphia offers a blend of history and creativity. Companies like Comcast and Independence National Historical Park provide diverse projects. The city's vibrant arts scene fuels innovative ideas.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  10. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $127,306
    Cincinnati's creative scene is growing and diverse. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Kroger offer unique projects. The city's rich cultural heritage inspires fresh ideas.
    Find Creative Director jobs in Cincinnati, OH

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

Apple offers one of the highest salaries for Creative Director jobs, averaging $271,783 per year. IPG Health follows closely with an average salary of $198,636. Amazon.com also provides a competitive salary of $168,911 for this role. 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 $271,783 and Benco Dental with the lowest at $110,113.

  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $271,783
    Apple offers exciting roles for Creative Directors in its Cupertino, California headquarters and other locations. Apple values creativity and innovation. Creative Directors work on projects that shape the future of technology.


  2. IPG Health
    Average Salary: $198,636
    IPG Health provides opportunities for Creative Directors in New York, New York, and other cities. This company focuses on health and wellness. Creative Directors here create impactful campaigns for healthcare brands.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $168,911
    Amazon offers roles for Creative Directors in Seattle, Washington, and other locations. Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce. Creative Directors here work on projects that enhance the online shopping experience.


  4. Google
    Average Salary: $162,227
    Google provides opportunities for Creative Directors in Mountain View, California, and other locations. Google values creativity and innovation. Creative Directors here work on projects that shape the future of technology.


  5. MC2
    Average Salary: $149,643
    MC2 offers roles for Creative Directors in New York, New York, and other cities. This company focuses on marketing and communications. Creative Directors here work on projects that enhance brand visibility.


  6. synchrony
    Average Salary: $122,500
    synchrony provides opportunities for Creative Directors in Stamford, Connecticut, and other locations. This company focuses on financial services. Creative Directors here work on projects that enhance customer engagement.


  7. Benco Dental
    Average Salary: $110,113
    Benco Dental offers roles for Creative Directors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and other locations. This company focuses on dental services. Creative Directors here work on projects that enhance brand visibility.

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 industry professionals opens doors to lucrative job opportunities. Gaining experience in different industries can make a Creative Director more versatile and valuable. Staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies ensures that a Creative Director remains competitive. Continuing education through workshops and courses can also lead to higher earning potential.

Creative Directors who take on leadership roles, such as managing a team or a department, often earn more. Specializing in a niche area, such as digital media or branding, can also command higher salaries. Effective negotiation skills can help secure better contracts and pay rates. Collaborating with other creative professionals can lead to more significant projects and higher earnings. Lastly, maintaining a positive reputation in the industry can result in more job opportunities and higher pay.

Here are five key factors that can help a Creative Director earn more:

  1. Build a strong portfolio
  2. Network with industry professionals
  3. Gain experience in different industries
  4. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies
  5. Continue education through workshops and courses

Currently 141 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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