Average Art Directors Salary in North Carolina
Art Directors in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $100,270, which is notably below the national average of $128,710. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific industry concentrations within the state, and the overall demand for specialized creative leadership roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $100,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,520.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 880 Art Directors, North Carolina presents a moderate-sized market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that Art Directors are less concentrated in North Carolina compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but also possibly less robust demand for these specialized roles within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Art Directors in North Carolina earns-22.1%below the national average.
$48.2
$1,928
$8,356
Art Directors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Art Director salary growth in North Carolina is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased investment in creative industries, and evolving marketing strategies likely contribute to a gradual increase in compensation for experienced professionals in this field.
Art Directors Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Art Directors in North Carolina, as elsewhere, is significantly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior Art Directors with extensive portfolios and leadership experience can expect compensation well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their proven ability to guide creative teams and deliver impactful visual strategies.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,000 | $18.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $75,203 | $36.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $89,570 | $43.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $125,338 | $60.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $165,520 | $79.6 |
Detailed Art Directors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$100,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$105,659
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
An average annual salary of $100,270 in North Carolina is quite favorable when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index is slightly below the national average (100), meaning that the purchasing power of an Art Director's salary in North Carolina is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good balance between earnings and everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
0.179
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 0.55x the national average concentration of Art Directors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.55 for Art Directors in North Carolina signifies that the profession is less prevalent in the state compared to the national landscape. This could indicate fewer job opportunities or a smaller pool of specialized talent, potentially making it a more competitive market for job seekers but also offering unique opportunities for those with in-demand skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Art Directors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Art Directors Salary | $92,040↓ 8% | 32 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Art Directors Salary | $102,560↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Art Directors Salary | $110,190↑ 10% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Art Directorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Art Directors make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Art Directors in North Carolina is $100,270. This typically ranges from $38,000 for entry-level positions to $165,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 22.1% lower than the national median of $128,710.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Art Directors?
No, not as lucrative as the national average.While the average salary of $100,270 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $128,710. However, the cost of living is also below average, which somewhat mitigates this difference.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Art Directors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($92,040) and Winston-Salem, NC.
How does the number of Art Directors in North Carolina compare to the national average?
North Carolina has a total of 880 Art Directors, and with a Location Quotient of 0.55, the concentration of these professionals is less than half of the national average.
What is the cost of living for Art Directors in North Carolina?
The Cost of Living Index in North Carolina is 94.9, which is slightly lower than the national average of 100, suggesting that expenses are generally more affordable.
Are there many job opportunities for Art Directors in North Carolina?
With 0.179 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of Art Director positions is relatively low compared to the national average, indicating a less dense job market.
How does experience impact an Art Director's salary in North Carolina?
Experience is a key factor; entry-level Art Directors will earn less, while senior professionals with a strong track record can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and leadership capabilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.179 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 North Carolina