Art Directors vs Writers and Authors: 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

Writers and Authors

Median Salary
$65,436
Average (Mean)
$72,970
Employed Nationwide
48,130
Art Directors earns $24,280 more (37.1%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $89,716 $65,436
Average (Mean) Salary $97,885 $72,970
Total Employment 48,410 48,130
States with Higher Pay 39 2

Salary by State: Art Directors vs Writers and Authors

Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 39 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 2.

State Art Directors Writers and Authors Difference
Alabama $84,360
$62,410
+$21,950
Arizona $88,440
$57,790
+$30,650
Arkansas $63,610
$46,490
+$17,120
California $130,610
$94,440
+$36,170
Connecticut $95,080
$68,750
+$26,330
Delaware $97,480
$59,200
+$38,280
District of Columbia $175,440
$94,290
+$81,150
Florida $92,000
$56,640
+$35,360
Idaho $83,160
$70,490
+$12,670
Illinois $102,050
$61,250
+$40,800
Indiana $82,050
$59,900
+$22,150
Iowa $79,820
$54,110
+$25,710
Kansas $72,600
$63,840
+$8,760
Kentucky $73,640
$64,680
+$8,960
Maine $76,690
$78,290
$-1,600
Maryland $93,240
$97,770
$-4,530
Massachusetts $107,130
$75,140
+$31,990
Michigan $86,360
$48,460
+$37,900
Minnesota $100,000
$69,990
+$30,010
Mississippi $46,400
$45,700
+$700
Missouri $84,800
$59,370
+$25,430
Montana $74,660
$53,120
+$21,540
Nebraska $67,270
$62,300
+$4,970
Nevada $74,330
$61,910
+$12,420
New Jersey $126,280
$76,020
+$50,260
New York $150,830
$98,570
+$52,260
North Carolina $90,790
$64,520
+$26,270
Ohio $91,700
$56,050
+$35,650
Oklahoma $69,990
$51,480
+$18,510
Oregon $119,120
$82,370
+$36,750
Pennsylvania $88,150
$62,500
+$25,650
Rhode Island $86,910
$64,990
+$21,920
South Carolina $82,720
$45,140
+$37,580
South Dakota $61,290
$56,490
+$4,800
Tennessee $76,700
$58,830
+$17,870
Texas $80,940
$64,530
+$16,410
Utah $67,120
$53,130
+$13,990
Vermont $90,940
$69,990
+$20,950
Virginia $93,340
$76,940
+$16,400
Washington $129,680
$81,530
+$48,150
Wisconsin $97,540
$56,870
+$40,670

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Art Directors or Writers and Authors?
On average across all states, a Art Directors earns more than a Writers and Authors. The national median salary difference is $24,280 (37.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Art Directors earn more than a Writers and Authors?
A Art Directors earns a higher median salary than a Writers and Authors in 39 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $89,716 per year, compared to $65,436 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 48,410 Art Directors positions and 48,130 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Art Directors or Writers and Authors?
Both Art Directors and Writers and Authors 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.