How Much Do Art Directors Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Art Directors in California earns $137,780 per year and takes home $96,855 ($8,071/month) — a keep-rate of 70.3%, with 12,430 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $11,481.67 |
| Federal income tax | $1,816.76 |
| Social Security | $711.86 |
| Medicare | $166.48 |
| California state income tax | $715.33 |
| You keep | $8,071.23 |
How much do Art Directors make in California?
The median Art Directors in California earns $137,780 per year (BLS May 2025), about $66.24 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$137,780 gross in California keeps $96,855 after federal income tax ($21,801), FICA ($10,540) and state income tax ($8,584) — $8,071 per month, a 70.3% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Art Directors?
The California median is $22,930 above the national median of $114,850.
Which state pays Art Directors the most?
Massachusetts has the highest median gross for Art Directors at $149,320 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Art Directors salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage