How to become art directorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$114,850
25th–75th pct. $82,480–$162,640
Top pay (est.)
$277,000
Top 10% $213,050
Pay in 5 years
$131,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$150,100est.
$129,000–$174,200
Outlook score
69/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
60%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.2%
12K openings / yr
How to become art directors
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Art Directors
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Thinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationGetting Information
Important abilities
OriginalityFluency of IdeasNear VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as art directors
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.