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Average Art Directors Salary in Illinois

Art Directors in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $110,670. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $128,710, suggesting that regional economic factors and industry demand within the state play a significant role in compensation levels. While the nominal salary is below the national benchmark, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $110,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,850.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,750 Art Directors, Illinois demonstrates a substantial presence in this creative field. The Location Quotient of 1.39 indicates that this profession is more concentrated in Illinois than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled Art Directors within the state's creative industries.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$110,670

The average Art Directors in Illinois earns-14.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$53.2

Weekly

$2,128

Monthly

$9,223

Art Directors Salary Distribution in Illinois

Salary progression for Art Directors in Illinois typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior Art Directors with extensive portfolios and leadership experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, often exceeding $150,000. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$64,880$31.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$83,003$39.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$100,530$48.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$138,338$66.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$168,850$81.2

Detailed Art Directors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$110,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$120,556

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average Art Director salary of $110,670 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an Art Director's salary in Illinois is likely higher than the nominal difference compared to the national average might suggest, offering a better quality of life.

Job Market Context

2,750

Total Jobs

0.453

Per 1K Jobs

1.39

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.39, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Art Directors roles compared to the national norm.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.39 for Art Directors signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet vibrant job market, where employers may actively seek specialized talent, and professionals benefit from a larger network and more diverse opportunities within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Art Directors

CitySalaryDist.
Champaign-Urbana, IL Art Directors Salary$85,730↓ 23%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Art Directorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Art Directors make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Art Directors in Illinois is $110,670. This typically ranges from $64,880 for entry-level positions to $168,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 14.0% lower than the national median of $128,710.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Art Directors?

Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Illinois offers a strong concentration of Art Director roles with a Location Quotient of 1.39, indicating above-average demand. While the average salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living enhances the real value of the compensation.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Art Directors?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Champaign-Urbana, IL ($85,730) and others.

How does the Illinois Art Director salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Art Directors in Illinois is $110,670, which is below the national average of $128,710.

What is the concentration of Art Directors in Illinois?

Illinois has a Location Quotient of 1.39 for Art Directors, meaning the profession is 39% more concentrated in the state than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect Art Director salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average. This makes the $110,670 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.

What is the total number of Art Directors in Illinois?

There are approximately 2,750 Art Directors employed in Illinois, representing a significant segment of the creative workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,750 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.453 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Art Directors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois