Gallery Owners and Directors

Earnings for gallery owners vary widely and are greatly influenced by the abilities of the individual owner, the type of gallery (nonprofit or for-profit), the type and volume of art being sold, and existing economic conditions. Some gallery owners may earn less than $15,000 a year, while the most successful owners earn $50,000 to $100,000 or more.

Salaries for gallery directors depend on the size, type, and reputation of the gallery and the director's job responsibilities. A director employed by a well-known gallery in New York, Chicago, or Boston typically earns more than a director employed at a gallery in a small town or rural area. Directors at commercial galleries usually earn higher salaries than those directors who are employed by nonprofit galleries. The U.S. Department of Labor categorizes the career of gallery director under the general heading of "first-line supervisors of retail sales workers." In May 2018, these professionals had median annual earnings of $39,630. Salaries ranged from less than $25,720 to $69,290 or more annually.

Gallery directors typically receive full benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.