Creative Director Jobs in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, California$207,200 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Creative Director Salary in Long Beach

Entry Level
$125,800
Median
$207,200
Senior Level
$306,360

Creative Director salaries in Long Beach are 48% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

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

Required Skills

Creative StrategyTeam LeadershipBrand DevelopmentCampaign DirectionClient Management

Creative Director Job Market in Long Beach

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

Top Companies Hiring Creative Directors in Long Beach

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

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

Cost of Living for Creative Directors in Long Beach

Living in Long Beach as a Creative Director means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (148% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Creative Director salary, housing is quite affordable at 10% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

148
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Creative Director in Long Beach

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

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Creative Director earning $207,200 might pay approximately $16,576 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Creative Directors

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

Relocating to Long Beach

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 Creative Director salary in Long Beach, CA?

The average Creative Director salary in Long Beach, CA is $207,200 per year. Entry-level Creative Directors typically start around $125,800, while experienced professionals can earn $306,360 or more. The national average for Creative Director roles is $140,000.

How many Creative Director jobs are available in Long Beach?

Long Beach has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Creative Director professionals. Major employers hiring Creative Directors include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Logistics and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Long Beach a good city for Creative Directors?

Long Beach is an solid choice for Creative Directors. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's logistics industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Creative Directors in Long Beach?

Top skills for Creative Directors in Long Beach include Creative Strategy, Team Leadership, Brand Development, Campaign Direction, Client Management. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Creative Directors in Long Beach?

Long Beach's cost of living is significantly above the national average (148% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Long Beach is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Creative Directors in Long Beach?

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

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