Average Art Directors Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Art Directors in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $113,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $128,710, suggesting that while the demand is present, the compensation may be influenced by a variety of local economic factors and the competitive landscape within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $113,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,260 Art Directors, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a significant concentration of these creative professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.54 indicates that this region has a higher proportion of Art Directors compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a well-established market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Art Directors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-11.4%below the national average.
$54.8
$2,192
$9,499
Art Directors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Art Director salaries in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased demand for creative services, inflation, and evolving industry needs likely contribute to upward salary adjustments for experienced professionals in this field.
Art Directors Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The career trajectory for Art Directors typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions often start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive portfolios and leadership experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career progression opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $71,140 | $34.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $85,493 | $41.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,380 | $49.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $142,488 | $68.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $169,540 | $81.5 |
Detailed Art Directors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$113,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $113,990 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for Art Directors.
Job Market Context
2,260
Total Jobs
0.505
Per 1K Jobs
1.54
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 1.5x the national concentration of Art Directors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.54 for Art Directors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN signifies a market that is 54% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially high demand for Art Directors, suggesting a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for professionals in this creative field.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Art Directorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Art Directors make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Art Directors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $113,990. This typically ranges from $71,140 for entry-level positions to $169,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 11.4% lower than the national median of $128,710.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Art Directors?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of Art Directors (LQ 1.54) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable and potentially rewarding market for experienced professionals.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Art Directors?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Chicago Art Director salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Art Directors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $113,990, which is $14,720 less than the national average of $128,710.
What is the job concentration for Art Directors in Chicago?
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a Location Quotient of 1.54 for Art Directors, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 54% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Chicago affect Art Director salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chicago's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $113,990 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Art Directors in the Chicago area?
There are approximately 2,260 Art Directors employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,260 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.505 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Art Directors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN