Position
Salary

How much does a Creative Director make?

The average salary for a Creative Director is $146,163 per year in the US.

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 $146,163. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the industry.

Creative Directors often work in industries like advertising, film, and publishing. Those in larger cities or tech companies may earn more. The top 10% of earners in this field make over $230,000 per year. This high salary reflects the importance of their work in creating compelling and effective visual content. A Creative Director's salary can be a rewarding factor for those who enjoy leading creative projects and working with talented teams.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Creative Director?

Creative Directors can find top-paying opportunities in major cities. San Francisco offers the highest average salary at $193,054. Los Angeles follows closely with an average salary of $165,848. Other cities with competitive salaries include Denver, Seattle, and Atlanta. These cities provide strong markets for creative professionals seeking both high pay and dynamic work environments.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Creative Director jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $193,054 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $124,489.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $193,054
    In San Francisco, a creative role thrives in the tech-driven environment. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer dynamic opportunities. The city's vibrant culture fuels innovative ideas.
    Find Creative Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $165,848
    Los Angeles provides a rich landscape for creative minds. With major studios like Disney and Warner Bros., the city offers diverse projects. The entertainment industry's pulse keeps creativity alive.
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  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $156,834
    Denver's creative scene is growing fast. Companies like Chipotle and Denver Botanic Gardens seek fresh ideas. The city's outdoor lifestyle inspires unique concepts.
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  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $153,335
    Seattle's creative directors work in a tech-savvy environment. With giants like Amazon and Microsoft, the city buzzes with innovation. The tech culture drives creative projects.
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  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $144,431
    Atlanta offers a blend of tradition and innovation. Companies like Coca-Cola and Turner Studios provide diverse opportunities. The city's rich history influences creative work.
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  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $142,209
    Chicago's creative directors find a mix of tradition and modernity. Companies like Wrigley and Google offer varied projects. The city's vibrant arts scene fuels creativity.
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  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $141,074
    Boston's creative scene is steeped in history. Companies like General Electric and Boston Consulting Group seek innovative ideas. The city's academic environment fosters creativity.
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  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $136,495
    In Washington, DC, creativity meets politics. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Smithsonian Institution offer unique projects. The city's political atmosphere influences creative work.
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  9. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $134,734
    Philadelphia's creative directors work in a historic setting. Companies like Comcast and Independence National Historical Park offer diverse projects. The city's rich history inspires creativity.
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  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $124,489
    Austin's creative scene is vibrant and growing. Companies like Dell and Whole Foods Market seek fresh ideas. The city's live music scene fuels innovative concepts.
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What are the best companies a Creative Director can work for?

Apple offers the highest average salary for Creative Director jobs at $274,813. IPG Health follows closely with an average salary of $197,591. Amazon.com provides a competitive salary of $170,258 for Creative Directors. 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 $274,813 and Benco Dental with the lowest at $110,113.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $274,813
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Creative Directors. They work in various locations, including Cupertino, California, and other global offices. Apple values creativity and innovation, making it a top choice for creative professionals.


  2. IPG Health
    Average Salary: $197,591
    IPG Health provides creative directors with a dynamic environment. They operate in cities like New York, London, and Singapore. The company focuses on health and wellness, offering creative directors a chance to make a difference in these areas.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $170,258
    Amazon.com offers diverse roles for Creative Directors. They work in Seattle, Washington, and other locations worldwide. Amazon values creativity and innovation, providing a platform for creative directors to thrive.


  4. MC2
    Average Salary: $149,643
    MC2 provides opportunities for Creative Directors in various locations, including Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City. The company focuses on marketing and communications, offering a dynamic environment for creative professionals.


  5. synchrony
    Average Salary: $122,500
    Synchrony offers roles for Creative Directors in locations like Stamford, Connecticut, and other areas. The company focuses on financial services, providing a unique environment for creative professionals.


  6. Benco Dental
    Average Salary: $110,113
    Benco Dental offers opportunities for Creative Directors in locations like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company focuses on dental services, providing a niche environment for creative professionals.

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 help 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 can make a Creative Director more versatile and valuable. Staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies can improve their skills and marketability. Finally, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can lead to higher earnings.

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

  1. Portfolio Development: A well-rounded portfolio can demonstrate a Creative Director's skills and versatility. It should include a range of projects that highlight their ability to meet different client needs.
  2. Networking: Building strong relationships with other professionals can open doors to new opportunities. Attending industry events, joining professional groups, and connecting on social media can be very beneficial.
  3. Experience and Specialization: Gaining experience in different areas of design can make a Creative Director more attractive to potential employers. Specializing in a high-demand area can also lead to higher-paying jobs.
  4. Continuous Learning: Staying current with the latest design tools and trends can improve a Creative Director's effectiveness. This can lead to better job performance and higher earnings.
  5. Salary Negotiation: Knowing how to negotiate salary and benefits can make a significant difference in earnings. Researching industry standards and being prepared to discuss value can lead to better compensation.

Currently 116 Creative Director job openings, nationwide.

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

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Position
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Creative Director
116 Job Openings