As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Art Designer I in the United States is $56,448 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Art Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Art Designer I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Art Designer I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art Designer I | 0-2 years | $56,448 |
| Art Designer II | 2-4 years | $69,551 |
| Art Manager | 4-5 years | $111,098 |
| Art Director | 5+ years | $151,688 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Art Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 5.22% |
| Photoshop | 2.43% |
| Sales Systems | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Study Design
|
$74,511 |
32%
|
|
Consulting
|
$65,480 |
16%
|
|
Leadership
|
$64,915 |
15%
|
|
Innovation
|
$63,222 |
12%
|
|
Illustration
|
$62,093 |
10%
|
|
Project Management
|
$61,528 |
9%
|
Art Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,137. While startup companies pay approximate $53,395.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,395 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,473 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,970 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,137 |
For Art Designer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Art Designer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Art Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $70,560 | $34.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $67,738 | $33.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $64,915 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $62,093 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $62,093 | $30.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Art Designer I'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Art Designer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Art Designer II | $69,551 | 23% |
| Videographer | $74,312 | 32% |
| Photographer II | $70,867 | 26% |
Salaries for an Art Designer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,350 in 2023 to around $55,260 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Art Designer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,350 |
| 2024 | $55,613 |
| 2025 | $55,260 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Art Designer I'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, an Art Designer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Art Designer I is $71,198.
The highest pay for Art Designer I is $70,255.
The lowest pay for Art Designer I is $49,362.
Develops and creates sketches and other visualizations and produces finished art work for creative projects. Collaborates with creative teams to understand the intended audience, branding requirements, and positioning of concepts. Translates requirements into required media and formats. Applies the concepts of perspective, color theory, anatomy, and composition and utilizes art assets and software tools to produce art work. May work on a variety of projects in marketing, advertising, game design, and cinematics. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in art, graphic design or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Art Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.
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