Art Directors
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $114,850/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 12,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
• Present final layouts to clients for approval.
• 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.
• Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
• 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.
• Create custom illustrations or other graphic elements.
What's the median pay for Art Directors?
The median pay for Art Directors is $114,850 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Art Directors?
Employment for Art Directors is projected to change +4.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Art Directors?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Art Directors?
About 12,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.