Creative Director Salary in Wisconsin, United States
Wisconsin offers a median mid-level Creative Director salary of $72,000 per year. That figure reflects the state's cost of living and the variety of employers that hire designers. Milwaukee and Madison have advertising firms and university media departments.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$51,000 to $64,000
Average (per year)
$58,000
In Janesville, entry-level positions are commonly found in local agencies and manufacturing marketing teams.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$65,000 to $79,000
Average (per year)
$72,000
Regional retailers and healthcare groups in Rock County often have mid-level directors overseeing creative projects.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$80,000 to $97,500
Average (per year)
$88,375
Senior creatives oversee branding for large employers in manufacturing or education.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$98,000+
Leads brand vision, mentors teams, oversees campaigns, and drives strategic creative direction.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$28 - $38
per hour
Mid-level
$38 - $52
per hour
Senior
$53 - $69
per hour
Nationally, Creative Directors earn around $95,000, so Wisconsin sits below the average but offers a cheaper lifestyle.