What Art Directors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Art Directors this way: "Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound"; "Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members"; "Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements"; "Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities"; "Present final layouts to clients for approval".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Art Directors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 140,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 146,000 in 2035, an increase of 5,800 jobs (+4.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 12,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 62.1% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $114,850, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Art Directors earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $139,417 in New Jersey to $141,144 in New York, a gap of $1,727 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $114,850 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 9,960, which is 51.4% of the 19,390 counted across them. New York follows with 9,430.
Highest-paying states
New York ($141,144) and New Jersey ($139,417) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($139,417) and New York ($141,144) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Art Directors
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-1000) include Graphic Designers and Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers.
Frequently asked questions about Art Directors
How much do Art Directors earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $114,850. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $139,417 to $141,144.
Which state pays Art Directors the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $141,144. New Jersey is next at $139,417.
Is Art Directors a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 12,200 openings a year.
What education do Art Directors need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.