Art Directors in Iowa
Thinking about a career as an Art Directors in Iowa? Below are the key facts. 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 Iowa?
For a art directors working in Iowa, the typical annual salary is $80,560 per year (or roughly $38.73/hour).Pay can range from $51,160 at the 10th percentile to $121,130 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,160 | $24.60 |
| 25th percentile | $53,980 | $25.95 |
| Median (50th) | $80,560 | $38.73 |
| 75th percentile | $102,690 | $49.37 |
| 90th percentile | $121,130 | $58.23 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Iowa compared to the national average — is 0.73, indicating fewer art directors per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, art directors earn a median of $103,285 per year ($49.66/hour), lower than the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 104,079 art directors nationwide. In Iowa alone, around 370 people work in this role. That’s in line with the typical state median of 370.
Top Iowa Metros for Art Directors
These are the Iowa metros with the most art directors in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 190 | $74,040 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 40 | $102,690 |
| Iowa City, IA | 30 | $77,520 |
Top States for Art Directors Employment
View the states that employ the most 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
Key art directors skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core 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
Day-to-day, art directors typically:
- 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
Technologies frequently used: 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?
Programs that train for this career 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