How to Become a Art Directors in California
Art Directors in California earn a median salary of $133,930/year, which is 21% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.4%. After taxes and rent, a art directors takes home approximately $6,396/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a art directors can afford in California
Becoming a art directors in California
Meet education requirements
Art Directors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many art directors positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for art directorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 12,540 art directors. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Art Directors salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $171K | $82.1/hr | 850 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $159K | $76.29/hr | 2,050 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $134K | $64.21/hr | 6,930 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $123K | $58.9/hr | 50 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $114K | $54.95/hr | 50 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $113K | $54.55/hr | 30 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $112K | $54.04/hr | 860 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $108K | $52.09/hr | 330 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $108K | $52/hr | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $107K | $51.59/hr | 80 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $107K | $51.2/hr | 30 |
| Fresno | $105K | $50.48/hr | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $103K | $49.75/hr | 260 |
Art Directors salary range in California
Art Directors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a art directors make in California?▼
The median art directors salary in California is $133,930 per year ($64.39/hr). This is 21% above the national median of $111,040. Salaries range from $76,470 to $226,370.
What are the requirements to become a art directors in California?▼
Art Directors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a art directors afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $133,930, a art directors in California would take home approximately $7,808/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 18.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for art directors in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for art directors in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($170,760), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($158,690), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($133,550). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for art directors?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.4%. On a $133,930 salary, this means roughly $8,593/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.