How much does an Art Director make?

The average salary for an Art Director is $96,519 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 12017 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Art Director employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Art Director in United States is $127,194 per year.

The lowest salary for an Art Director in United States is $73,854 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Art Director or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Art Director.

Pay for art directors is typically above pay for craft artists, fine artists, fashion designers, writers, graphic designers and photographers. Their leadership role and authority explain this pay premium. Well-known art directors with extensive experience can expect even higher pay. Additionally, art directors can increase their pay by teaching courses on their skills as adjunct professors outside of traditional work hours.

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Though the term good is always relative, anonymous ratings from Glassdoor show that about 69% of art directors feel satisfied with their salary. Factors that may contribute to better salaries include five to seven years of experience and an advanced degree.

Art directors earn total pay ranging anywhere from $58,073.56 to $162,114.59. Years of experience, location, and industry can all play a part in how much art directors make. After following the typical art director career path, average art directors can expect a total pay of around $96,519.45. From there, art directors often step up to roles such as senior art director or creative director.

If you want to ensure you make the most money possible as an art director, consider continuing your education beyond a bachelor's degree. Certain industries value art directors with master's degrees or even PhDs in art-related subjects. It's also important to build up your practical work experience, honing both your creative and business-minded skills along the way. Finding a specialty that you become known for will encourage top employers to seek out your expertise. Showcasing those skills and specialties in a polished portfolio is a great way to put your best foot forward with employers to boost your earning potential.

Whether you're looking for a brand-new art director position or aiming to increase your earnings at a current role, there are a couple of things to keep in mind during salary negotiations. Be aware of average art director salaries near you. Are you being paid under market rate at your current job? If so, communicate that. If you're negotiating a new job offer, keep the relevant numbers in mind so you can ask for what's fair. Also, be sure to use your experience to your advantage. Have plenty of examples of your work at the ready, and be prepared to explain how your creative vision is invaluable to the company.