How to Become a Art Directors in New York
Art Directors in New York earn a median salary of $136,610/year, which is 23% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~5.2%. After taxes and rent, a art directors takes home approximately $6,670/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a art directors can afford in New York
Becoming a art directors in New York
Meet education requirements
Art Directors positions in New York typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many art directors positions in New York require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain New York licensure or certification
New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for art directorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in New York
New York employs 8,300 art directors. The highest concentrations are in New York-Newark-Jersey City and Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh.
Art Directors salary by metro area in New York
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $137K | $65.79/hr | 8,760 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $106K | $50.93/hr | — |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $105K | $50.66/hr | 90 |
| Syracuse | $105K | $50.41/hr | 50 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | $102K | $49.09/hr | 100 |
| Rochester | $90K | $43.43/hr | 160 |
Art Directors salary range in New York
Art Directors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a art directors make in New York?▼
The median art directors salary in New York is $136,610 per year ($65.68/hr). This is 23% above the national median of $111,040. Salaries range from $77,960 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a art directors in New York?▼
Art Directors positions in New York typically require Bachelor's degree. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a art directors afford to live in New York?▼
At the median salary of $136,610, a art directors in New York would take home approximately $8,082/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 17.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for art directors in New York?▼
The highest paying metro areas for art directors in New York are New York-Newark-Jersey City ($136,850), Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh ($105,920), Albany-Schenectady-Troy ($105,380). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does New York have state income tax for art directors?▼
Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.2%. On a $136,610 salary, this means roughly $7,148/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.