Art Director Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield, California$100,450 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Art Director Jobs in Bakersfield

Looking for a Art Director job in Bakersfield? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Art Director in Bakersfield, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Bakersfield has a strong job market for Art Directors. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Art Director Salary in Bakersfield

Entry Level
$62,475
Median
$100,450
Senior Level
$146,510

Art Director salaries in Bakersfield are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Bakersfield is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Creative DirectionVisual DesignTeam LeadershipBrand StrategyPresentation

Art Director Job Market in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Art Director professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Bakersfield offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Energy leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Art Director roles across various sectors. The market for Art Director positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Art Directors in Bakersfield

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Art Directors in Bakersfield include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Art Directors in Bakersfield

Living in Bakersfield as a Art Director means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Art Director salary, housing is quite affordable at 22% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

98
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Art Director in Bakersfield

Bakersfield Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Art Directors in Bakersfield: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Art Director professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Art Director earning $100,450 might pay approximately $8,036 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Art Directors

The job outlook for Art Directors in Bakersfield is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Bakersfield offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Creative Direction, Visual Design, Team Leadership, Brand Strategy.

Relocating to Bakersfield

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Art Director salary in Bakersfield, CA?

The average Art Director salary in Bakersfield, CA is $100,450 per year. Entry-level Art Directors typically start around $62,475, while experienced professionals can earn $146,510 or more. The national average for Art Director roles is $102,500.

How many Art Director jobs are available in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Art Director professionals. Major employers hiring Art Directors include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Energy and Agriculture sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Bakersfield a good city for Art Directors?

Bakersfield is an solid choice for Art Directors. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's energy industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Art Directors in Bakersfield?

Top skills for Art Directors in Bakersfield include Creative Direction, Visual Design, Team Leadership, Brand Strategy, Presentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Art Directors in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield's cost of living is near the national average (98% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Bakersfield is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Art Directors in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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