Home / City Job Salaries / Art Director in Traverse City

Art Director Salary in Traverse City, MI

How much does a art director make in Traverse City? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Traverse City's cost of living.

Median Salary
$80,980
per year in Traverse City
Entry Level
$47,238
Starting salary
Senior Level
$118,095
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
105
5% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how art director salaries break down across different pay periods in Traverse City.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$47,238$80,980$118,095
Monthly$3,937$6,748$9,841
Biweekly$1,817$3,115$4,542
Weekly$908$1,557$2,271
Hourly$23$39$57

Traverse City vs National Average

How Traverse City's art director salaries compare to national figures.

Traverse City Salary
$80,980
COL Index: 105
National Average
$83,830
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,850
Lower in Traverse City

Cost of Living in Traverse City

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$46,821
per year
Population
15,678
residents
Rent % of Income
29.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 105 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Traverse City have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Art Director

Overview

Direct the visual style and design of creative projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or related field

Key Skills

Visual DesignLeadershipCreativityProject Management

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Art Director Salary

See Art Director salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$136,850
+69%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,550
+65%
Chicago, IL
$102,380
+26%
Houston, TX
$77,840
-4%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,250
+13%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a art director salary in Traverse City.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Traverse City.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Traverse City.

Art Director Salary in Traverse City, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a art director in Traverse City, MI is $80,980 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Traverse City's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level art director professionals in Traverse City can expect to earn around $47,238 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level art directors earning approximately $118,095 per year. This represents a 150% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Traverse City's cost of living index of 105 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Traverse City are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,830, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a art director's salary in Traverse City typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 17.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Art Directors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Traverse City, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.