National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Median Salary
$81,843
Average (Mean)
$86,563
Employed Nationwide
29,980
Art Directors earns $13,094 more (16.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$94,938
$81,843
Average (Mean) Salary
$104,011
$86,563
Total Employment
49,580
29,980
States with Higher Pay
31
8
Salary by State: Art Directors vs Commercial and Industrial Designers
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 31 states; Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 8.
| State | Art Directors | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,220 | $63,640 | +$13,580 | ||
| Arkansas | $71,930 | $92,540 | $-20,610 | ||
| California | $137,780 | $100,770 | +$37,010 | ||
| Colorado | $99,990 | $90,590 | +$9,400 | ||
| Connecticut | $71,900 | $81,300 | $-9,400 | ||
| Florida | $99,660 | $78,720 | +$20,940 | ||
| Georgia | $110,430 | $91,360 | +$19,070 | ||
| Idaho | $80,680 | $80,730 | $-50 | ||
| Indiana | $105,690 | $88,040 | +$17,650 | ||
| Iowa | $80,940 | $70,420 | +$10,520 | ||
| Kansas | $60,460 | $104,870 | $-44,410 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,160 | $76,100 | +$60 | ||
| Louisiana | $83,640 | $98,040 | $-14,400 | ||
| Maryland | $98,400 | $70,870 | +$27,530 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,320 | $101,720 | +$47,600 | ||
| Michigan | $86,660 | $102,160 | $-15,500 | ||
| Minnesota | $109,700 | $94,370 | +$15,330 | ||
| Missouri | $100,940 | $75,440 | +$25,500 | ||
| Montana | $73,850 | $72,990 | +$860 | ||
| Nebraska | $73,270 | $71,570 | +$1,700 | ||
| Nevada | $98,070 | $76,680 | +$21,390 | ||
| New Hampshire | $132,000 | $74,050 | +$57,950 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,200 | $90,310 | +$38,890 | ||
| New York | $137,320 | $89,640 | +$47,680 | ||
| North Carolina | $90,000 | $80,620 | +$9,380 | ||
| Ohio | $94,390 | $79,470 | +$14,920 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,680 | $76,640 | +$4,040 | ||
| Oregon | $133,840 | $76,970 | +$56,870 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,450 | $82,610 | +$14,840 | ||
| Rhode Island | $72,550 | $101,140 | $-28,590 | ||
| South Carolina | $87,990 | $77,300 | +$10,690 | ||
| South Dakota | $66,610 | $60,110 | +$6,500 | ||
| Tennessee | $89,860 | $71,230 | +$18,630 | ||
| Utah | $106,500 | $62,620 | +$43,880 | ||
| Vermont | $129,260 | $80,690 | +$48,570 | ||
| Virginia | $101,150 | $82,230 | +$18,920 | ||
| Washington | $121,170 | $94,280 | +$26,890 | ||
| West Virginia | $63,550 | $73,030 | $-9,480 | ||
| Wisconsin | $81,130 | $80,590 | +$540 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Commercial and Industrial Designers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $13,094 (16.0%) based on 2025 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 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Commercial and Industrial Designers?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $81,843 for a Commercial and Industrial Designers, according to 2025 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 49,580 Art Directors positions and 29,980 Commercial and Industrial Designers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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