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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Art Directors salary in Denver, Colorado

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Denver metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$93,550
Mean annual$112,690
Range (10th to 90th)$67,600 to $172,270
Denver, Colorado employment420
State vs national-18.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Denver art directors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$67,60025TH$78,060MEDIAN$93,55075TH$128,17090TH$172,270

The middle 50% of workers earn between $78,060 and $128,170, with a median of $93,550.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5

  • Originality

    Ability

    4.3 / 5

  • Fluency of Ideas

    Ability

    4.3 / 5

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5

  • Fine Arts

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5

  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5

  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.

  2. 02

    Present final layouts to clients for approval.

  3. 03

    Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.

  4. 04

    Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.

  5. 05

    Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.

  6. 06

    Formulate basic layout design or presentation approach and specify material details, such as style and size of type, photographs, graphics, animation, video, and sound.

  7. 07

    Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.

  8. 08

    Mark up, paste, and complete layouts and write typography instructions to prepare materials for typesetting or printing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Art Directors in Denver, Colorado?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Art Directors in the Denver metropolitan area is $93,550.
Does Denver pay more than the Colorado state average for Art Directors?
The Denver metro median is 0.0% versus the Colorado state median of $93,550.
How does Denver compare to the national median for Art Directors?
The Denver metro median is -18.5% versus the BLS national figure of $114,795.
What is the salary range for Art Directors in Denver?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $67,600 and the 90th-percentile at $172,270 for the Denver metro area.
What education is required for Art Directors?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Denver CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.