CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Art Director Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$87,358/yr
Typical range: $82,237 – $106,162
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Art Director Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $87,358 | $7,280 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,720 | $9,393 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $131,507 | $10,959 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $148,790 | $12,399 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $180,352 | $15,029 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,150 | $17,096 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,350 | $17,613 | +142% |
Current Salary
$87,358
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $42/hr
Next Level Target
$112,720
Junior · 2
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Art Director salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Entry Level Art Directors in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $87K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Art Director make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $87K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $42/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Art Director in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in Los Angeles, CA earns $187K–$241K/yr.