CreativeUpdated Q1 2025

Art Director Salary
in Bethesda, MD

Lead the visual direction of marketing campaigns, publications, and media productions. Median salary in Bethesda: $100K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$100K
per year
Take-home: $65K

Salary range in Bethesda

Entry level (25th)$72,000
Median (50th)$100,000
Senior (75th)$135,000
Top earner (90th)$178,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Bethesda, Maryland.

Key facts for Bethesda

Median salary
$100K
annual
Take-home pay
$65K
after fed/state tax
COL index
165
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$2,800
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Bethesda Art Director to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $100K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Bethesda

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Art Director salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$84K$91K$99K$106K$113K201920212023202520272029
2026
$102K
projected
2027
$105K
projected
2028
$108K
projected
2029
$110K
projected
2030
$113K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$100,000+$0
2028 projected$100,000+$0
2029 projected$100,000+$0
2030 projected$100,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Art Director Salary in Bethesda, Maryland: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Art Director salary in Bethesda, MD is $100,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Bethesda–MD metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Art Director in Bethesda

Entry-level Art Directors in Bethesda with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $72,000 and $100,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $100,000 to $135,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $135,000 to $178,000 or more.

Cost of living in Bethesda for Art Directors

Bethesda has a cost of living index of 165 compared to the US national average of 100. Bethesda's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Maryland has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Art Director

Bachelor's in Design; 5+ years design experience. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Bethesda-based professionals.

Art Director salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Bethesda (current)$100K165
Baltimore115
Frederick115
Rockville148