National Salary Overview
VS
Art Directors earns $24,222 more (34.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$94,938
$70,715
Average (Mean) Salary
$104,011
$76,575
Total Employment
49,580
38,650
States with Higher Pay
35
5
Salary by State: Art Directors vs Writers and Authors
Showing 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. Art Directors pays more in 35 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 5.
| State | Art Directors | Writers and Authors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,220 | $66,950 | +$10,270 | ||
| Arkansas | $71,930 | $47,970 | +$23,960 | ||
| California | $137,780 | $86,480 | +$51,300 | ||
| Colorado | $99,990 | $76,830 | +$23,160 | ||
| Connecticut | $71,900 | $98,460 | $-26,560 | ||
| Florida | $99,660 | $68,080 | +$31,580 | ||
| Georgia | $110,430 | $74,710 | +$35,720 | ||
| Idaho | $80,680 | $56,360 | +$24,320 | ||
| Illinois | $103,550 | $68,220 | +$35,330 | ||
| Indiana | $105,690 | $75,820 | +$29,870 | ||
| Iowa | $80,940 | $61,010 | +$19,930 | ||
| Kansas | $60,460 | $65,840 | $-5,380 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,160 | $48,780 | +$27,380 | ||
| Louisiana | $83,640 | $89,520 | $-5,880 | ||
| Maryland | $98,400 | $104,330 | $-5,930 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,320 | $85,260 | +$64,060 | ||
| Minnesota | $109,700 | $72,810 | +$36,890 | ||
| Mississippi | $66,020 | $54,180 | +$11,840 | ||
| Missouri | $100,940 | $58,140 | +$42,800 | ||
| Nebraska | $73,270 | $65,470 | +$7,800 | ||
| Nevada | $98,070 | $63,910 | +$34,160 | ||
| New Hampshire | $132,000 | $71,830 | +$60,170 | ||
| New Jersey | $129,200 | $81,590 | +$47,610 | ||
| North Carolina | $90,000 | $63,660 | +$26,340 | ||
| North Dakota | $83,170 | $50,860 | +$32,310 | ||
| Ohio | $94,390 | $65,930 | +$28,460 | ||
| Oklahoma | $80,680 | $58,770 | +$21,910 | ||
| Oregon | $133,840 | $80,540 | +$53,300 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $97,450 | $77,410 | +$20,040 | ||
| Rhode Island | $72,550 | $70,190 | +$2,360 | ||
| South Carolina | $87,990 | $51,920 | +$36,070 | ||
| South Dakota | $66,610 | $56,700 | +$9,910 | ||
| Tennessee | $89,860 | $58,870 | +$30,990 | ||
| Texas | $88,270 | $69,990 | +$18,280 | ||
| Utah | $106,500 | $64,530 | +$41,970 | ||
| Vermont | $129,260 | $94,430 | +$34,830 | ||
| Virginia | $101,150 | $85,000 | +$16,150 | ||
| Washington | $121,170 | $85,700 | +$35,470 | ||
| West Virginia | $63,550 | $64,410 | $-860 | ||
| Wisconsin | $81,130 | $64,370 | +$16,760 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Art Directors vs Writers and Authors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $24,222 (34.3%) based on 2025 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 35 out of 40 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Art Directors vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Art Directors is $94,938 per year, compared to $70,715 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Art Directors or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Art Directors. BLS reports approximately 49,580 Art Directors positions and 38,650 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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