Art Director salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Art Directors in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $88,610 a year ($42.60 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $57,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $158,050 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $114,850. Pay here is 12% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $100,940. The average (mean) salary is $96,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for art directors in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| 25th percentile | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Median | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| 75th percentile | $118,710 | $57.07 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $158,050 | $75.99 |
| Average (mean) | $96,100 | $46.20 |
Half of art directors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,384.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,692.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,408.08 |
| Weekly | $1,704.04 |
| Hourly | $42.60 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $88,610 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Art Director salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $101,480 | 420 |
| Columbia, MO | $80,060 | 30 |
| Springfield, MO | $70,690 | 40 |
| Wichita, KS | $53,040 | 80 |
Highest-paying states for art directors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $149,320 |
| California | $137,780 |
| New York | $137,320 |
| Oregon | $133,840 |
| New Hampshire | $132,000 |
| Vermont | $129,260 |
| New Jersey | $129,200 |
| Washington | $121,170 |
| Georgia | $110,430 |
| Minnesota | $109,700 |
See Art Director pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Interior Designer | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| Floral Designer | $35,950 | $17.29 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,450 | $38.68 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $53,310 | $25.63 |
| Fashion Designer | $59,150 | $28.44 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $47,630 | $22.90 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $69,820 | $33.57 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,100 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,050 | $32.72 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $37,650 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,470 | $31.96 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,300 | $24.18 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a art director make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for art directors in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $88,610 a year, or $42.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $158,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid art directors make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of art directors in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $158,050 a year. The top 25% earn $118,710 or more.
What is the starting pay for art directors in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,990 a year, and a quarter of art directors earn $57,990 or less.