RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Art Directors salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Raleigh 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$100,460
Mean annual$107,610
Range (10th to 90th)$22,730 to $175,910
Raleigh, North Carolina employment190
State vs national-12.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Raleigh art directors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$22,73025TH$62,680MEDIAN$100,46075TH$159,50090TH$175,910

The middle 50% of workers earn between $62,680 and $159,500, with a median of $100,460.

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.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Art Directors

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in North Carolina

How the Raleigh metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for art directors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Art Directors in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Art Directors in the Raleigh metropolitan area is $100,460.
Does Raleigh pay more than the North Carolina state average for Art Directors?
The Raleigh metro median is +12.2% versus the North Carolina state median of $89,570.
How does Raleigh compare to the national median for Art Directors?
The Raleigh metro median is -12.5% versus the BLS national figure of $114,795.
What is the salary range for Art Directors in Raleigh?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $22,730 and the 90th-percentile at $175,910 for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.