Art Directors vs Commercial and Industrial Designers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Art Directors

Median Salary
$89,716
Average (Mean)
$97,885
Employed Nationwide
48,410
VS

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Median Salary
$75,423
Average (Mean)
$79,970
Employed Nationwide
28,940
Art Directors earns $14,293 more (19.0%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $89,716 $75,423
Average (Mean) Salary $97,885 $79,970
Total Employment 48,410 28,940
States with Higher Pay 31 9

Salary by State: Art Directors vs Commercial and Industrial Designers

Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 31 states; Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 9.

State Art Directors Commercial and Industrial Designers Difference
Alabama $84,360
$74,810
+$9,550
Arizona $88,440
$79,570
+$8,870
Arkansas $63,610
$77,270
$-13,660
California $130,610
$84,190
+$46,420
Connecticut $95,080
$75,920
+$19,160
District of Columbia $175,440
$132,270
+$43,170
Florida $92,000
$64,870
+$27,130
Idaho $83,160
$61,660
+$21,500
Illinois $102,050
$63,650
+$38,400
Iowa $79,820
$82,260
$-2,440
Kansas $72,600
$96,700
$-24,100
Kentucky $73,640
$74,930
$-1,290
Maine $76,690
$61,190
+$15,500
Maryland $93,240
$72,390
+$20,850
Massachusetts $107,130
$86,420
+$20,710
Michigan $86,360
$73,610
+$12,750
Minnesota $100,000
$78,590
+$21,410
Missouri $84,800
$70,080
+$14,720
Montana $74,660
$54,050
+$20,610
Nebraska $67,270
$72,850
$-5,580
Nevada $74,330
$81,760
$-7,430
New Hampshire $81,490
$74,290
+$7,200
New Jersey $126,280
$82,080
+$44,200
New Mexico $71,340
$56,510
+$14,830
New York $150,830
$75,200
+$75,630
North Carolina $90,790
$76,250
+$14,540
Ohio $91,700
$65,690
+$26,010
Oklahoma $69,990
$70,550
$-560
Oregon $119,120
$83,490
+$35,630
Pennsylvania $88,150
$71,420
+$16,730
Rhode Island $86,910
$81,800
+$5,110
South Carolina $82,720
$84,170
$-1,450
South Dakota $61,290
$49,850
+$11,440
Tennessee $76,700
$60,720
+$15,980
Texas $80,940
$81,660
$-720
Utah $67,120
$61,340
+$5,780
Vermont $90,940
$73,850
+$17,090
Virginia $93,340
$75,150
+$18,190
Washington $129,680
$108,960
+$20,720
Wisconsin $97,540
$75,240
+$22,300

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Art Directors or Commercial and Industrial Designers?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Commercial and Industrial Designers. The national median salary difference is $14,293 (19.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Commercial and Industrial Designers?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Commercial and Industrial Designers in 31 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 9 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Commercial and Industrial Designers?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $89,716 per year, compared to $75,423 for a Commercial and Industrial Designers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Commercial and Industrial Designers?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 48,410 Art Directors positions and 28,940 Commercial and Industrial Designers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Art Directors or Commercial and Industrial Designers?
Both Art Directors and Commercial and Industrial Designers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.