Art Directors Salary in California
Art Directors in California earn a median of $137,780 a year, +20% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $137,780
- vs. U.S. median
- +20% ($114,850)
- Rank among states
- 2 of 46
- Jobs in the state
- 12,430
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,500; the top 10% earn over $249,210. Nationally the range is $64,900 to $213,050.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Graphic Designers$75,130 median in California
- Music Directors and Composers$93,090 median in California
- Producers and Directors$129,790 median in California
- Set and Exhibit Designers$105,030 median in California
- Film and Video Editors$88,490 median in California
- Special Effects Artists and Animators$130,540 median in California
Art Directors pay in California
How much do art directors make in California?
The median is $137,780 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,500 and the top 10% earn over $249,210. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for art directors?
On pay alone it ranks 2 of 46 (+20% vs. the national median of $114,850). Living costs are not included.