Art Directors vs Fashion 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

Fashion Designers

Median Salary
$66,978
Average (Mean)
$73,188
Employed Nationwide
13,690
Art Directors earns $22,738 more (33.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $89,716 $66,978
Average (Mean) Salary $97,885 $73,188
Total Employment 48,410 13,690
States with Higher Pay 19 4

Salary by State: Art Directors vs Fashion Designers

Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 19 states; Fashion Designers pays more in 4.

State Art Directors Fashion Designers Difference
Arizona $88,440
$54,710
+$33,730
Arkansas $63,610
$96,570
$-32,960
Florida $92,000
$60,430
+$31,570
Illinois $102,050
$63,970
+$38,080
Kansas $72,600
$50,950
+$21,650
Kentucky $73,640
$45,690
+$27,950
Maryland $93,240
$51,090
+$42,150
Massachusetts $107,130
$98,620
+$8,510
Michigan $86,360
$56,660
+$29,700
Minnesota $100,000
$37,930
+$62,070
Missouri $84,800
$60,100
+$24,700
Nevada $74,330
$74,700
$-370
New Hampshire $81,490
$87,620
$-6,130
New Jersey $126,280
$95,500
+$30,780
New York $150,830
$80,780
+$70,050
North Carolina $90,790
$64,750
+$26,040
Ohio $91,700
$79,500
+$12,200
Pennsylvania $88,150
$78,720
+$9,430
South Carolina $82,720
$39,920
+$42,800
Texas $80,940
$35,150
+$45,790
Utah $67,120
$67,610
$-490
Virginia $93,340
$41,240
+$52,100
Washington $129,680
$80,860
+$48,820

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Art Directors or Fashion Designers?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Fashion Designers. The national median salary difference is $22,738 (33.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Fashion Designers?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Fashion Designers in 19 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fashion Designers pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Fashion Designers?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $89,716 per year, compared to $66,978 for a Fashion Designers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Fashion Designers?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 48,410 Art Directors positions and 13,690 Fashion Designers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Art Directors or Fashion Designers?
Both Art Directors and Fashion 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.