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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Digital Creative Director in California is $164,433 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Digital Creative Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Digital Creative Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $180,882 | $15,074 | $3,479 | $87 |
| Average | $164,433 | $13,703 | $3,162 | $79 |
| 25th Percentile | $147,070 | $12,256 | $2,828 | $71 |
Imada Wong Communications - Los Angeles, CA
Orca Pacific : A Monks Company - Los Angeles, CA
SUNNY DISTRIBUTOR INC. - Hacienda Heights, CA
On Board Experiential - Los Angeles, CA
A Digital Creative Director'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.
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 Digital Creative Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Digital Creative Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 125% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Digital Creative Director positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Digital Creative Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $263,093 | $126.0 | 60% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $246,650 | $119.0 | 50% |
| Healthcare | $221,985 | $107.0 | 35% |
| Biotechnology | $213,763 | $103.0 | 30% |
| Media | $205,541 | $99.0 | 25% |
Understanding how a Digital Creative Director'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $180,882 | $15,074 | $3,479 | $87 |
| Average | $164,433 | $13,703 | $3,162 | $79 |
| 25th Percentile | $147,070 | $12,256 | $2,828 | $71 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Digital Creative Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
On Board Experiential
San Francisco, CA
On Board Experiential | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About On Board Experiential (OBE). OBE is a global marketing agency that brings brands to life through culture-shaping ex... more
6 Days Ago
Team Liquid
Santa Monica, CA
Team Liquid | Santa Monica, CA
Job Description. Job Description. The Opportunity. Liquid Media is a full-service creative marketing agency. We help brands win with the next generation. O... more
7 Days Ago
Vesync
Tustin, CA
Vesync | Tustin, CA
Job Description. Job Description. The Company. . VeSync is a portfolio company with brands that cover different categories of health & wellness products. W... more
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Trinchero Family Estates
Napa, CA
Trinchero Family Estates | Napa, CA
Creative DirectorThe Creative Director at Trinchero Family Estates is a visionary design leader responsible for elevating the creative expression of our po... more
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Crown + Conquer
Los Angeles, CA
Crown + Conquer | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Agency Overview. Powered by intuition, connection and vision, Crown + Conquer has established itself as an industry leade... more
9 Days Ago
eTeam
South San Francisco, CA
eTeam | South San Francisco, CA
About the Role. We are looking for a Creative Director to lead the medical content track. This role sits at the intersection of creative craft and scientif... more
10 Days Ago
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