Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Art Directors vs Fashion Designers: 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

Fashion Designers

Median Salary
$70,579
Average (Mean)
$77,542
Employed Nationwide
11,780
Art Directors earns $24,358 more (34.5%)
Art Directors vs Fashion Designers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Art DirectorsArt DirectorsArt Directors: $94,938$94,938Fashion DesignersFashion DesignersFashion Designers: $70,579$70,579

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $94,938 $70,579
Average (Mean) Salary $104,011 $77,542
Total Employment 49,580 11,780
States with Higher Pay 21 1

Salary by State: Art Directors vs Fashion Designers

Showing 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 21 states; Fashion Designers pays more in 1.

State Art Directors Fashion Designers Difference
Colorado $99,990
$94,140
+$5,850
Connecticut $71,900
$81,510
$-9,610
Florida $99,660
$43,020
+$56,640
Georgia $110,430
$78,340
+$32,090
Hawaii $89,300
$47,990
+$41,310
Indiana $105,690
$40,740
+$64,950
Kansas $60,460
$59,150
+$1,310
Maine $100,300
$49,530
+$50,770
Massachusetts $149,320
$103,520
+$45,800
Michigan $86,660
$63,430
+$23,230
Minnesota $109,700
$42,110
+$67,590
New Hampshire $132,000
$100,160
+$31,840
New Jersey $129,200
$101,610
+$27,590
New York $137,320
$98,640
+$38,680
North Carolina $90,000
$74,990
+$15,010
Ohio $94,390
$82,050
+$12,340
Pennsylvania $97,450
$63,840
+$33,610
Texas $88,270
$40,040
+$48,230
Vermont $129,260
$79,610
+$49,650
Virginia $101,150
$94,120
+$7,030
Washington $121,170
$82,030
+$39,140
Wisconsin $81,130
$57,030
+$24,100

Explore This Comparison by State

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

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 $24,358 (34.5%) based on 2025 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 21 out of 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Fashion Designers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Fashion Designers?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $70,579 for a Fashion Designers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Fashion Designers?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 49,580 Art Directors positions and 11,780 Fashion Designers positions nationwide (2025).
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.

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy