📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Art Directors Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$159,296
per year
Median
$153,204
per year
Hourly
$76.58
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$97,825
25th Percentile — Junior$130,945
50th Percentile — Median$153,204
75th Percentile — Senior$205,466
90th Percentile — Top Earners$234,734
💡 Top-earning Art Directorss in California make up to $234,734 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$137.4k
2021
$141.5k
2022
$145.8k
2023
$150.2k
2024
$154.7k
2025
$159.3k
2026
📈 Art Directors salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Art Directors Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $246,909 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $235,758 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $273,989 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $294,698 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $172,040 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $194,341 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $230,979 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $172,040 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $226,200 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $223,014 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $203,899 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $187,969 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $246,909 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $187,969 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $178,412 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $194,341 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $183,190 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $235,758 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $254,874 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Art Directors Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Art Directorss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $159,296 per year, California's Art Directors salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $97,825–$130,945, while experienced Art Directorss can command $205,466–$234,734.

Looking ahead, the Art Directors profession in California is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Art Directors salary in California is $159,296 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $112,180.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Art Directorss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Art Directors employment.
  • At $159,296/year, California Art Directors salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $112,180/year.