Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salary in the United States

How much does an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer in the United States is $182,030 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.

However, an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $215,041
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $166,644 to $199,309
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $152,636

Key Factors That Influence Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salaries

An Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $121,638
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $98,644
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $118,663
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $146,826
  • Expert (over 8 years): $178,430
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Graphic Design Specialist V less than 1 year $121,638
Graphic Design Supervisor 1-2 years $98,644
Graphic Design Manager 2-4 years $118,663
Graphic Design Senior Manager 5-8 years $146,826
Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer over 8 years $178,430

Top Paying Cities for Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $229,594
  • San Francisco: $227,081
  • Oakland: $222,295

Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $218,436 $105.0 20%
Software & Networking $218,436 $105.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $200,233 $96.0 10%
Chemicals $200,233 $96.0 10%
Financial Services $200,233 $96.0 10%

Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$166,644
Average $182,030/year
$199,309
$13,887
Average $15,169/month
$16,609
$3,205
Average $3,501/week
$3,833
$80
Average $88/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $199,309 $16,609 $3,833 $96
Average $182,030 $15,169 $3,501 $88
25th Percentile $166,644 $13,887 $3,205 $80

Most common benefits for Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer

Here are companies hiring for Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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