Creative Director Salary in Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana includes healthcare, retail, and telecom sectors in Orange County. Creative directors earn varying salaries but face high housing and living costs. The city has marketing agencies and national consumer brands.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$64,000 to $80,000
Average (per year)
$72,000
Entry-level creative directors work with regional marketing firms and consumer brands in Orange County.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$81,000 to $106,000
Average (per year)
$93,000
Mid-level directors manage advertising for healthcare, telecom, and retail companies based in Santa Ana.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$107,000 to $133,000
Average (per year)
$119,000
Senior roles involve leading creative strategy for agencies and national clients.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$134,000+
Principal creative directors develop brand strategies for corporations or oversee multiple in-house teams.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$33 - $45
per hour
Mid-level
$46 - $63
per hour
Senior
$64 - $88
per hour