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Associate Art Director Salary in California

How much does an Associate Art Director make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Art Director in California is $167,739 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $202,763
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,549 to $186,072
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $136,809
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Art Director Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Associate Art Director Salaries

An Associate Art Director'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 Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Art Director'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): $156,346
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $157,608
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $158,870
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $161,394
  • Expert (over 8 years): $163,919
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Associate Art Director less than 1 year $156,346
Early Career Level Associate Art Director 1-2 years $157,608
Mid-Level Level Associate Art Director 2-4 years $158,870
Senior-Level Level Associate Art Director 5-8 years $161,394
Expert Level Associate Art Director over 8 years $163,919

How Do Associate Art Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Art Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $168,377.
  • California: $167,739.
  • Massachusetts: $165,503.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Art Director

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:

  • Los Angeles: $168,028
  • West Hollywood: $167,906
  • Dodgertown: $168,026

Associate Art Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Art Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Associate Art Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Art Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Associate Art Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $251,608 $121.0 50%

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

Understanding how an Associate Art Director'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$151,549
Average $167,739/year
$186,072
$12,629
Average $13,978/month
$15,506
$2,914
Average $3,226/week
$3,578
$73
Average $81/hour
$89
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $186,072 $15,506 $3,578 $89
Average $167,739 $13,978 $3,226 $81
25th Percentile $151,549 $12,629 $2,914 $73

Find Your Next Associate Art Director Job

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

  • The Sage Group | Fremont, CA

    Marketing Art Director

    The Sage Group | Fremont, CA

    We are looking to hire art directors for an immediate long-term project. Partnering with marketing teams, you will be responsible for owning visual concept... more

    1 Day Ago

  • The Sage Group | Alameda, CA

    Marketing Art Director

    The Sage Group | Alameda, CA

    We are looking to hire art directors for an immediate long-term project. Partnering with marketing teams, you will be responsible for owning visual concept... more

    1 Day Ago

  • The Sage Group | San Jose, CA

    Marketing Art Director

    The Sage Group | San Jose, CA

    We are looking to hire art directors for an immediate long-term project. Partnering with marketing teams, you will be responsible for owning visual concept... more

    1 Day Ago

  • The Sage Group | San Francisco, CA

    Marketing Art Director

    The Sage Group | San Francisco, CA

    We are looking to hire art directors for an immediate long-term project. Partnering with marketing teams, you will be responsible for owning visual concept... more

    1 Day Ago

  • The Sage Group | Sunnyvale, CA

    Marketing Art Director

    The Sage Group | Sunnyvale, CA

    We are looking to hire art directors for an immediate long-term project. Partnering with marketing teams, you will be responsible for owning visual concept... more

    1 Day Ago

  • The Sage Group | Sonoma, CA

    Marketing Art Director

    The Sage Group | Sonoma, CA

    We are looking to hire art directors for an immediate long-term project. Partnering with marketing teams, you will be responsible for owning visual concept... more

    1 Day Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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