CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
Mid Level Art Director Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Mid-career professionals with 3–5 years of experience at median market pay.
$162,348/yr
Typical range: $131,060 – $230,860
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Art Director salary by experience level in San Francisco
Art Director Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $107,845 | $8,987 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $139,155 | $11,596 | +29% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $162,348 | $13,529 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $183,685 | $15,307 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $222,648 | $18,554 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $253,262 | $21,105 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $260,916 | $21,743 | +142% |
Current Salary
$162,348
Mid Level · 3–5 years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$183,685
Senior · 6
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
34/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mid level Art Director salary in San Francisco, CA?
Mid Level Art Directors in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $162K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a mid level Art Director make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $162K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from mid level to senior Art Director in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Art Director in San Francisco, CA earns $231K–$298K/yr.