Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
Present final layouts to clients for approval.
Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
Top skills:SpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingTime Management
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Art Director salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
27,420 workers
$131,000
Information
8,940 workers
$149,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
3,240 workers
$160,000
Wholesale Trade
2,080 workers
$141,000
Sectors 31, 32, and 33 – Manufacturing
1,770 workers
$126,500
Sectors 44 and 45 – Retail Trade
1,650 workers
$145,000
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
1,520 workers
$151,000
Educational Services
1,510 workers
$99,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
The average base salary for a Art Director in the United States is $134,000 per year, or about $64.42 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $85,500 and $168,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $88,500 across 45 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
