Art Directors in California
Thinking about a career as an Art Directors in California? Here’s what you need to know. 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. Excludes “Set and Exhibit Designers” (27-1027).
What do Art Directors Make in California?
For art directors working in California, the median annual wage is $133,930 per year (or roughly $64.39/hour).Pay can range from $76,470 at the 10th percentile to $226,370 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,470 | $36.76 |
| 25th percentile | $102,570 | $49.31 |
| Median (50th) | $133,930 | $64.39 |
| 75th percentile | $175,490 | $84.37 |
| 90th percentile | $226,370 | $108.83 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California nationwide is 2.13, meaning that art directors are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, art directors earn a median of $103,285 per year ($49.66/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 104,079 art directors across the United States. In California alone, about 12,540 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 370 art directors.
Top California Metros for Art Directors
These are the California metros with the most art directors in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 6,930 | $133,550 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 2,050 | $158,690 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 860 | $112,400 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 850 | $170,760 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 330 | $108,340 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 260 | $103,480 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 80 | $107,300 |
| Fresno, CA | 70 | $104,990 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 50 | $122,500 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 50 | $114,300 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 30 | $108,150 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 30 | $106,500 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 30 | $113,460 |
Top States for Art Directors Employment
These states have the highest employment of art directors work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 12,540 |
| New York | 8,300 |
| Illinois | 2,750 |
| Texas | 2,690 |
| Florida | 2,240 |
| Massachusetts | 1,810 |
| Washington | 1,740 |
| New Jersey | 1,620 |
| Ohio | 1,140 |
| Minnesota | 1,120 |
| Georgia | 1,050 |
| Oregon | 1,040 |
| Michigan | 1,020 |
| Pennsylvania | 890 |
| North Carolina | 880 |
| Virginia | 860 |
| Tennessee | 750 |
| Missouri | 740 |
| Connecticut | 680 |
| Colorado | 680 |
Highest-Paying States for Art Directors
These states pay the most for art directors.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $148,410 |
| Washington | $143,490 |
| New York | $136,610 |
| California | $133,930 |
| Georgia | $131,620 |
| Massachusetts | $131,050 |
| District of Columbia | $126,520 |
| New Jersey | $126,030 |
| Hawaii | $108,420 |
| New Hampshire | $101,890 |
Skills
Top art directors skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for art directors, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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.
- Attend photo shoots and printing sessions to ensure that the products needed are obtained.
- Review illustrative material to determine if it conforms to standards and specifications.
- Hire, train, and direct staff members who develop design concepts into art layouts or who prepare layouts for printing.
- Research current trends and new technology, such as printing production techniques, computer software, and design trends.
Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software In-demand technologies: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Design & Applied Arts
- General Visual & Performing Arts
- Fine & Studio Arts
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to art directors include:
- Project Management Specialists
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Video Game Designers
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Craft Artists
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Also Known As
Art Administrator (Art Admin), Art Coordinator, Art Director, Art Manager, Art Supervisor, Artistic Director, Brand Creative Director, Creative Art Director, Creative Design Director, Creative Director (CD Director), Creative Manager, Creative Operations Director (Creative Ops Director), Creative Services Director, Creative Services Manager, Design Director.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-1011.00
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.