As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Graphic Design Director in the United States is $180,635. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $142,533 to a high of $218,781, with most professionals earning between $160,691 and $200,602.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $200,602 | $16,717 | $3,858 | $96 |
| Average | $180,635 | $15,053 | $3,474 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $160,691 | $13,391 | $3,090 | $77 |
An entry-level Graphic Design Director with less than 1 year of experience earns about $168,430. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $170,216. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $172,598. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $176,170, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $180,635.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Graphic Design Director | $168,430 |
| Intermediate Level Graphic Design Director | $170,216 |
| Senior Level Graphic Design Director | $172,598 |
| Specialist Level Graphic Design Director | $176,170 |
| Expert Level Graphic Design Director | $180,635 |
| Entry Level | 7% |
| Mid Level | 6% |
| Senior Level | 4% |
| Top Level | 2% |
| Experienced | 0% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Graphic Design Director compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $166,975 in 2023 to approximately $162,714 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Graphic Design Director salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Graphic Design Director information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Graphic Design Director job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Graphic Design Director and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $180,635 | 73.7% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $13,072 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $7,587 | 3.1% | ||
| Disability | $3,613 | 1.5% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 3.4% | ||
| Pension | $9,754 | 4.0% | ||
| Time Off | $22,232 | 9.1% | ||
| Total Compensation | $245,245 | 100% | ||
The average annual salary of Graphic Design Director is $180,635. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Graphic Design Director is $87; the average weekly pay of Graphic Design Director is $3,474; the average monthly pay of Graphic Design Director is $15,053.
A Graphic Design Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Graphic Design Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Graphic Design Director is $227,835.
The highest pay for Graphic Design Director is $218,781.
The lowest pay for Graphic Design Director is $142,533.
Leads and develops the graphic arts and design function that provides and visual materials for print and digital media. Ensures that projects, management, and standards align with the goals of the rest of the organization. Drives improvement in procedures, quality, and efficiency. May interface with other departments and introduce new projects. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in art or graphic design. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
