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Art Directors Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Art Directors make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$137,780
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.9% vs 2024
$156,060
Mean Salary
$137,780
Median Salary
$66.24
Hourly Rate
12,430 people work as Art Directors in California
Art Directors salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Art Directors in California earn a median salary of $137,780 per year ($11,481/month).
This is 45.1% above the national average of $94,938.
California ranks #2 out of 46 states for Art Directors pay.
Approximately 12,430 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 2.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Art Directors
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Top Skills
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75
Judgment and Decision Making
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Design
4.35
English Language
4.25
Computers and Electronics
4.24
Fine Arts
4.19
Communications and Media
4.12
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(68.0% of workers)
Salaries for Art Directors in California range from $81,500 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $249,210 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $106,470 and $192,380.
The median annual salary for Art Directors in California is $137,780 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $156,060.
What is the salary range for a Art Directors in California?
Salaries for Art Directors in California range from $81,500 at the 10th percentile to $249,210 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $106,470 and $192,380.
What is the starting salary for a Art Directors in California?
Entry-level Art Directors positions in California typically start around $81,500 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $106,470 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Art Directors in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 12,430 people are employed as Art Directors in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Art Directors in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Art Directors in California is approximately $66.24 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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