What is the median salary for Art Directors in New York City, New York?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Art Directors in the New York City metropolitan area is $142,990.

Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Art Directors?

The New York City metro median is +4.1% versus the New York state median of $137,320.

How does New York City compare to the national median for Art Directors?

The New York City metro median is +23.7% versus the BLS national figure of $115,637.

What is the salary range for Art Directors in New York City?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,040 and the 90th-percentile at $271,220 for the New York City 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.

Art Directors Salary in New York City, New York: $143k Median ($85k–$271k Range)

Median annual$142,990

Mean annual$161,120

Range (10th to 90th)$85,040 to $271,220

New York City, New York employment8,980

State vs national+23.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where New York City art directors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $108,780 and $198,160, with a median of $142,990.

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)

01
Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
02
Present final layouts to clients for approval.
03
Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
04
Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and presentation concepts and to coordinate creative activities.
05
Confer with clients to determine objectives, budget, background information, and presentation approaches, styles, and techniques.
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.
07
Review and approve art materials, copy materials, and proofs of printed copy developed by staff members.
08
Mark up, paste, and complete layouts and write typography instructions to prepare materials for typesetting or printing.

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Other metros in New York

How the New York City metro compares to other major New York metro areas for art directors.

Buffalo$95,770

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Art Directors in New York City, New York?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Art Directors in the New York City metropolitan area is $142,990.
Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Art Directors?: The New York City metro median is +4.1% versus the New York state median of $137,320.
How does New York City compare to the national median for Art Directors?: The New York City metro median is +23.7% versus the BLS national figure of $115,637.
What is the salary range for Art Directors in New York City?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,040 and the 90th-percentile at $271,220 for the New York City 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 New York City 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.