Art Directors pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for art directors is $50.28 an hour ($104,570 a year). About 2,560 people work in this job there.
That is 9% lower than the U.S. median ($114,850). It is about the same as the Illinois median ($103,550).
Pay range for art directors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $35.48 | $73,800 |
| 25% of workers | $38.57 | $80,230 |
| Half of workers (median) | $50.28 | $104,570 |
| 75% of workers | $64.84 | $134,860 |
| 90% of workers | $83.05 | $172,750 |
Art Directors pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $104,570 | 2,560 |
| Peoria | $87,790 | 30 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for art directors
- Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 4 to 6 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: 5 years or more (BLS)
- Job outlook: +4.2% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 12,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Project Management Specialists | $105,320 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $101,660 |
| Graphic Designers | $66,490 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $77,050 |
| Producers and Directors | $85,040 |
| Writers and Authors | $75,940 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $87,920 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,250 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.