What Salary Can You Expect From a Career in Creative Advertising?

Careers in advertising offer different salaries based on location, education and experience.

However, let’s address this question assuming the job seeker a newcomer to the field.

• Junior Copywriter: 0-1 year of experience: ~$42,103/yr (Source: Glassdoor)
• Junior Art Director: 0-1 year of experience: ~$40,000/yr (Source: Glassdoor)
• Junior Graphic Designer: 0-1 year of experience ~$41,000/yr (Source: Glassdoor)

Those are just a few examples. Let’s talk about some important salary-related information.

Cost of Living Has a Huge Impact on Salary

Did you know that the cost of living is 52% higher in California than it is in Florida? This has an incredible impact on the value of your salary and your disposable income. When you are at the start of your creative advertising career, you will have limited options when it comes to commanding the salary you might want. You can increase your disposable income by taking an entry-level salary in an area with a low cost of living.

Creative Salaries Improve with Time

You should know that all creative jobs are highly competitive. This has created a large pool of job seekers who are willing to “underbid” each other on salary. Just think of how many creative people work for “exposure.” Once you have in-house agency experience, your options multiply exponentially. Take a look at how much salaries grow with three years of experience.

• Copywriter: 0-1 year of experience: ~$62,103/yr (Source: Glassdoor)
• Art Director: 0-1 year of experience: ~$60,000/yr (Source: Glassdoor)
• Graphic Designer: 0-1 year of experience ~$61,000/yr (Source: Glassdoor)

If you can prove yourself reliable, creative and professional when faced with an entry-level creative job, you will soon find your career improving quickly. The advertising industry is heavily influenced by relationships, and reputation.

How to Command Larger Salaries as a Creative Employee

Degrees are linked to higher salaries. Earning a master’s degree in creative advertising can help you build a case for yourself when you are negotiating salaries. Also, job seekers with great portfolios tend to secure better entry-level jobs at higher-profile agencies. This helps employers feel more reassured in their investment in you. Graduate school for advertisers lets you develop a network that can help land you better opportunities.

Education is the Path to High-paying Skill Sets

The bigger the brand, the higher the salary paid to creatives. This higher pay grade also comes with higher expectations of your ability. Education is the path to developing your creative and analytical skill set to the point where you would be valuable to a global-scale brand. Graduate school can help you develop the type of portfolio that will demonstrate your ability to create innovative campaigns that attract attention.

How to Learn More About Salaries and Careers for Advertising Creatives

Florida International University and Miami Ad School have developed an advertising graduate program that has gained a worldwide reputation as one of the best in the world. Located in the beautiful Wynwood district Miami, South Florida, FIU-MAS delivers you ample industry knowledge from experienced educators and instructors. Learn more by emailing Grizelle De Los Reyes, Director of the FIU-MAS Creative Track Program at gdelosre@fiu.edu.