How much does a Art director make

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  2. Art director
Image that illustrates Art director

Art director

43 600 kr

Graphic designers etc.

39 200 - 48 600 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Art director

Average salary 43 600 kr
Males 45 000 kr
Females 41 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 21 Vacant jobs ->

What does an Art Director do? – Tasks and work environment

An Art Director is responsible for the overall visual concept of creative projects, often within advertising, media, film, or digital production. The work involves developing and communicating visual concepts, creating moodboards, leading design teams, and ensuring that all visual materials follow the client's or brand's strategic guidelines. Collaboration often occurs closely with copywriters, project managers, and external vendors. The work environment is usually office-based but can also include on-site work during photoshoots or filming, and the pace is often fast with demands for flexibility and quick deliveries.

Salary development over time

The salary of an Art Director has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,500 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 40 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has risen further to 43 600 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.7% over three years. This development can be partly explained by increased demand for digital and creative specialists, as well as general salary adjustments within the graphic industry. Competition for experienced Art Directors, especially in metropolitan areas, has also positively affected salary levels. At the same time, it can be noted that gender pay gaps still exist, despite an overall positive trend.

Art Director salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 39,200 SEK (men), 39,700 SEK (women)
  • Highest salary: 48,600 SEK (men), 43,500 SEK (women)
  • Hourly wage: 262 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 45 000 SEK, women 41 800 SEK (women earn 93% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas, especially in Stockholm.

Education and qualifications

To work as an Art Director, a post-secondary education in graphic design, visual communication, or equivalent creative fields is often required. Many employers seek experience from agencies or production environments, as well as strong skills in design software. Practical experience and a solid portfolio are often highly valued during recruitment. Self-study and continuous skills development are also important parts of career growth.

  • Formal education: Post-secondary education in design, 2–3 years or longer
  • Certifications: Courses in Adobe Creative Suite and digital production
  • Internships: Industry internships or trainee programs are common
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of graphic design and image editing
  • Self-study: Online courses and portfolio building are recommended

In the role of Art Director, it is common to collaborate with experts from various disciplines – from animators to sound engineers. Those who enjoy interdisciplinary projects and quick shifts between tasks have good prospects for success and development within the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for Art Directors include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and pension schemes. Additional compensation may include bonuses or profit sharing, especially within larger advertising agencies. Access to creative equipment and training budgets is also common.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as an Art Director remains high, particularly in major cities where the largest agencies and media houses are located. Since the profession often requires a combination of creative talent and technical skills, many seek the role, which places high demands on an updated portfolio and specialist knowledge. The shift towards digital media and social platforms has also changed the skill set requirements, with understanding of moving images, UX, and digital strategy becoming increasingly important. At the same time, there is a risk of high workload, especially during intensive campaigns or project deliveries.

Tips for aspiring Art Directors

To succeed as an Art Director, it is beneficial to be both creative and organized, as the profession requires the ability to think innovatively while meeting deadlines. An analytical mindset helps when aligning visual concepts with business goals and client needs, and strong communication skills are essential for leading teams and presenting ideas. Portfolio development should be prioritized early, preferably by taking on personal projects or freelance assignments. Staying updated with digital tools and trends provides a competitive advantage, and humility to feedback helps growth in the role. Finally, curiosity and a willingness to collaborate with other creatives are key qualities that often lead to success.

Key facts about Art Directors

  • Education level: Post-secondary education, usually 2–3 years or longer
  • Typical work environment: Offices and digital production environments
  • Work arrangement: Full-time, often project-based or with flexible hours
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the graphic design profession
  • Special skills: Adobe Creative Suite, concept development, digital design

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, an Art Director can advance to leadership roles such as Creative Director, Design Manager, or start their own agency. Other possible career paths include specializing in digital media, UX/UI, or moving images, which are areas with increasing demand. The Employment Service does not provide a specific forecast for Art Directors, but the graphic design sector reports a stable number of job openings and ongoing digital transformation. With the right experience and network, international assignments and consulting work are also possible.

Frequently asked questions about Art Directors

  • What does an Art Director earn?
    - An Art Director has an average salary of 43 600 SEK per month according to current statistics.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Men earn an average of 45 000 SEK while women earn 41 800 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become an Art Director?
    - Typically, a post-secondary education in graphic design, visual communication, or equivalent creative fields is required.
  • What is the lowest and highest salary for an Art Director?
    - The lowest salary is 39,200 SEK and the highest is 48,600 SEK per month, depending on education and employment type.
  • Are there many job openings for Art Directors?
    - Currently, there are 620 job openings within the graphic design profession.
  • What are the typical tasks of an Art Director?
    - Common tasks include concept development, visual design, team leadership, and collaboration with copywriters and project managers.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 10:19:25

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Art director is 48600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Art director is 39200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 39700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 87% 39500 kr 39600 kr
35-44 90% 45100 kr 45200 kr
45-54 97% 46100 kr 46300 kr
55-64 103% 40100 kr 40300 kr
Snitt 93% 43400 kr 43600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Art director has the SSYK code 2172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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