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Art Directors vs Editors: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Art Directors

Median Salary
$94,938
Average (Mean)
$104,011
Employed Nationwide
49,580
VS

Editors

Median Salary
$66,681
Average (Mean)
$74,191
Employed Nationwide
91,160
Art Directors earns $28,256 more (42.4%)
Art Directors vs Editors national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Art DirectorsArt DirectorsArt Directors: $94,938$94,938EditorsEditorsEditors: $66,682$66,682

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $94,938 $66,681
Average (Mean) Salary $104,011 $74,191
Total Employment 49,580 91,160
States with Higher Pay 42 3

Salary by State: Art Directors vs Editors

Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 42 states; Editors pays more in 3.

State Art Directors Editors Difference
Alabama $77,220
$63,330
+$13,890
Alaska $75,200
$63,630
+$11,570
Arkansas $71,930
$50,180
+$21,750
California $137,780
$98,030
+$39,750
Colorado $99,990
$77,870
+$22,120
Connecticut $71,900
$85,950
$-14,050
Florida $99,660
$73,950
+$25,710
Georgia $110,430
$76,650
+$33,780
Hawaii $89,300
$55,070
+$34,230
Illinois $103,550
$76,060
+$27,490
Indiana $105,690
$56,440
+$49,250
Iowa $80,940
$57,200
+$23,740
Kansas $60,460
$61,920
$-1,460
Kentucky $76,160
$59,430
+$16,730
Louisiana $83,640
$58,860
+$24,780
Maine $100,300
$50,180
+$50,120
Maryland $98,400
$75,550
+$22,850
Massachusetts $149,320
$83,170
+$66,150
Michigan $86,660
$63,090
+$23,570
Minnesota $109,700
$62,650
+$47,050
Mississippi $66,020
$54,380
+$11,640
Missouri $100,940
$61,620
+$39,320
Montana $73,850
$61,750
+$12,100
Nebraska $73,270
$46,320
+$26,950
Nevada $98,070
$72,510
+$25,560
New Hampshire $132,000
$66,510
+$65,490
New Jersey $129,200
$81,680
+$47,520
New York $137,320
$101,480
+$35,840
North Carolina $90,000
$73,740
+$16,260
North Dakota $83,170
$60,520
+$22,650
Ohio $94,390
$72,160
+$22,230
Oklahoma $80,680
$50,780
+$29,900
Oregon $133,840
$71,540
+$62,300
Pennsylvania $97,450
$63,460
+$33,990
Rhode Island $72,550
$77,960
$-5,410
South Carolina $87,990
$62,000
+$25,990
South Dakota $66,610
$56,730
+$9,880
Tennessee $89,860
$59,550
+$30,310
Texas $88,270
$45,950
+$42,320
Utah $106,500
$65,040
+$41,460
Vermont $129,260
$66,860
+$62,400
Virginia $101,150
$80,590
+$20,560
Washington $121,170
$77,850
+$43,320
West Virginia $63,550
$56,630
+$6,920
Wisconsin $81,130
$64,270
+$16,860

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Editors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Art Directors or Editors?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Editors. The national median salary difference is $28,256 (42.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Editors?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Editors in 42 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Editors pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Editors?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $66,681 for a Editors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Editors?
There are more people employed as Editors. BLS reports approximately 49,580 Art Directors positions and 91,160 Editors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Art Directors or Editors?
Both Art Directors and Editors 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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