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Art Director Salary in Los Angeles, CA

Art Director salary data for Los Angeles, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Art Director Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026

The median Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA is $174,300 per year ($14,525/month, $84/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 166, which is 66% above the national average.

Entry Level
$105K
$50/hr
Median
$174K
$84/hr
Senior
$232K
$112/hr
Top Earner
$302K
$145/hr

Art Director Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$174,300
Federal Tax-$31,079
State Tax (9.3%)-$16,210
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$13,334
Annual Take-Home$113,677
Monthly Take-Home$9,473

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,650/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.2%
Median Home Price$830,000
Cost of Living Index166
City Median Salary$75,200
Art Director vs City Median+$99,100

Art Director Requirements

Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
5-8 years
Job Growth
2.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Creative DirectionBrand StrategyDesign SystemsTeam LeadershipPresentation

Los Angeles Job Market Overview

Los Angeles, California has a population of 3,898,747 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The top industries are Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 31 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The median Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA is $174,300 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Art Directors earn around $104,580, while senior-level professionals can earn $232,400 or more.
How much does a Art Director take home in Los Angeles after taxes?
A Art Director earning the median salary of $174,300 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $113,677 per year ($9,473/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for Art Directors?
Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Art Directors here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Art Director in Los Angeles?
Key skills for Art Directors include Creative Direction, Brand Strategy, Design Systems, Team Leadership, Presentation. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include AIGA Membership, Adobe Certified Expert.
How does Art Director salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
The national median Art Director salary is $105,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $174,300, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The median Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA is $174,300 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 166. Entry-level Art Directors earn around $104,580, while senior-level professionals can earn $232,400 or more.

How much does a Art Director take home in Los Angeles after taxes?

A Art Director earning the median salary of $174,300 in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $113,677 per year ($9,473/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 34.8%.

Is Los Angeles a good city for Art Directors?

Los Angeles, CA has a cost of living index of 166 (above national average). Art Directors here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.8% and top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Art Director in Los Angeles?

Key skills for Art Directors include Creative Direction, Brand Strategy, Design Systems, Team Leadership, Presentation. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include AIGA Membership, Adobe Certified Expert.

How does Art Director salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?

The national median Art Director salary is $105,000. In Los Angeles, the adjusted salary is $174,300, which is 66.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.