National Salary Overview
VS
Art Directors earns $9,000 more (10.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$94,938
$85,937
Average (Mean) Salary
$104,011
$90,089
Total Employment
49,580
44,380
States with Higher Pay
32
9
Salary by State: Art Directors vs Technical Writers
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 32 states; Technical Writers pays more in 9.
| State | Art Directors | Technical Writers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,220 | $85,840 | $-8,620 | ||
| Alaska | $75,200 | $83,200 | $-8,000 | ||
| Arkansas | $71,930 | $61,180 | +$10,750 | ||
| California | $137,780 | $104,000 | +$33,780 | ||
| Colorado | $99,990 | $100,610 | $-620 | ||
| Connecticut | $71,900 | $101,870 | $-29,970 | ||
| Florida | $99,660 | $86,240 | +$13,420 | ||
| Georgia | $110,430 | $73,070 | +$37,360 | ||
| Illinois | $103,550 | $88,700 | +$14,850 | ||
| Indiana | $105,690 | $75,510 | +$30,180 | ||
| Iowa | $80,940 | $66,520 | +$14,420 | ||
| Kansas | $60,460 | $73,550 | $-13,090 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,160 | $81,070 | $-4,910 | ||
| Louisiana | $83,640 | $63,790 | +$19,850 | ||
| Maryland | $98,400 | $100,990 | $-2,590 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,320 | $109,200 | +$40,120 | ||
| Michigan | $86,660 | $85,270 | +$1,390 | ||
| Minnesota | $109,700 | $83,270 | +$26,430 | ||
| Mississippi | $66,020 | $65,220 | +$800 | ||
| Missouri | $100,940 | $80,840 | +$20,100 | ||
| Montana | $73,850 | $75,070 | $-1,220 | ||
| Nevada | $98,070 | $88,750 | +$9,320 | ||
| New Hampshire | $132,000 | $96,300 | +$35,700 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,200 | $122,320 | +$6,880 | ||
| New York | $137,320 | $98,310 | +$39,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $90,000 | $86,320 | +$3,680 | ||
| North Dakota | $83,170 | $72,990 | +$10,180 | ||
| Ohio | $94,390 | $76,480 | +$17,910 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,680 | $69,760 | +$10,920 | ||
| Oregon | $133,840 | $84,000 | +$49,840 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,450 | $87,620 | +$9,830 | ||
| Rhode Island | $72,550 | $102,360 | $-29,810 | ||
| South Carolina | $87,990 | $82,540 | +$5,450 | ||
| South Dakota | $66,610 | $63,350 | +$3,260 | ||
| Tennessee | $89,860 | $79,550 | +$10,310 | ||
| Texas | $88,270 | $82,750 | +$5,520 | ||
| Utah | $106,500 | $80,270 | +$26,230 | ||
| Vermont | $129,260 | $87,860 | +$41,400 | ||
| Virginia | $101,150 | $93,600 | +$7,550 | ||
| Washington | $121,170 | $104,070 | +$17,100 | ||
| Wisconsin | $81,130 | $80,030 | +$1,100 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Technical Writers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Art Directors or Technical Writers?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Technical Writers. The national median salary difference is $9,000 (10.5%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Technical Writers?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Technical Writers in 32 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Technical Writers pays more in 9 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Technical Writers?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $85,937 for a Technical Writers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Technical Writers?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 49,580 Art Directors positions and 44,380 Technical Writers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Art Directors or Technical Writers?
Both Art Directors and Technical Writers 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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