Creative & Media
Art Director Salary
Leads the visual direction of ad campaigns, publications, or brand identities.
Low
$70,000
Average
$105,000
High
$150,000
What this role does
- Set visual direction for a project or brand
- Direct designers and photographers
- Present concepts to clients or leadership
- Ensure consistency across deliverables
Education & path in
Bachelor's in design or fine art
Experience level: Usually 7+ years in design roles first
Where it pays best
States that typically pay above the national average for this role: New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington. Actual pay depends heavily on metro area, employer size, and cost of living.
Job outlook
Average
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Figures are editorial estimates as of Jul 1, 2026, not official government statistics. For official data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics.