Advertising salary guide—How to land a creative job at a top agency or brand

This is a recurring series of stories that examines ad industry jobs and what they’re paying. Read other stories in this series here. Creative departments are shrinking as agencies lay off employees and restructure to prioritize more profitable parts of the business including media and performance amid the shaky economy. Ad Age Salary Guide The hottest ad industry jobs and what they’re paying Read more here But the copywriters, art directors, creative directors and others who make up these departments are still the lifeblood of the ad industry, with people vying for these roles at a top agency or brand. Ad Age searched ad agency and marketing listings in January for creative jobs in New York across various sites including LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter and Indeed. According to the job openings tracked by Ad Age, there were fewer opportunities in this area at agencies than in some other departments that are high in demand, including performance marketing and commerce. Highlighted below are some of the more interesting roles shops and brands are looking to fill in this area, along with sometimes very broad salary ranges they posted. Note that these listings may have been filled or adjusted since they were posted. What are creative jobs? The people who work in the creative department are the ones who are making the ads, coming up with the ideas behind the spots and seeing them through to development. Many roles make up the creative department. For this salary guide, we focused on listings for some of the more popular jobs: creative directors (people who lead the creative team); art directors (the people who execute the campaign idea); and copywriters (the people who write the copy in ads). Why are creative jobs so competitive? The ad industry has always been competitive and landing a creative director role, for example, at a top agency has never been easy. But jobs are scarcer of late as larger agencies in particular scale back creative resources in favor of more profitable areas of the business such as media, data and analytics. “For those who are looking at the moment, it has been very competitive,” said Sasha Martens, president of industry headhunting firm Sasha the Mensch. “The larger agencies are consistently trying to do more with less and sharing resources.” Tony Stanol, industry recruiter and president of talent firm Global Recruiters of Sarasota, said “a lot of agencies took a wait-and-see attitude about hiring during the second half of last year,” due to the shaky economy. He said he predicts employees are going to eventually push back on this. “They’re being asked to do more with less and open jobs aren’t being filled, adding to the strain,” Stanol said. “They were made promises during COVID that management would treat them better, provide flexibility and take better care of them. But now we’re back to where we were, so I think a backlash is percolating.” Martens said those looking to land a top creative job should consider going to a commerce-focused or health care agency, where opportunities are plentiful. “What is the ‘center’ of the creative industry has shifted pretty drastically in the last 12 years. Not long ago, say five years, people wouldn’t have looked at commerce, health or PR as places to build a book or a career. But that isn’t the case today. Area23, VML Commerce and Momentum have produced some of the industry’s most compelling work,” he said. Being willing to relocate for a job could also put you at an advantage, Martens said. “More companies are wanting people back in the office. Those that are willing to move will increase their odds.” More: How agencies approach return to office mandates According to the job listings Ad Age tracked, there seem to be more open creative director roles within in-house brand marketing teams than ad agencies. Still, some of what the industry considers the hottest creative shops are hiring, and there are many copywriter roles open at agencies. What skills are required for creative roles? “For creatives looking for a job, the old adage is true: Job search is a full-time job,” Stanol said. “It can be overwhelming but it only takes one job. Applying online often sends you to the Bermuda Triangle of HR. Instead, try to strategically network your way into decision makers before pressing the ‘apply’ button. Keep networking and looking for opportunities. It’s a numbers game. Freelance to hire is also a good way for agencies to test drive a candidate and vice versa, so be open to that.” Stanol said that unless it’s for a specialized role in health care or automotive, agencies want to see “a range of work across several channels and categories” in the portfolios of the candidates they’re reviewing for a creative job. See all of the Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards winners here “A well-crafted current portfolio online is a must-have for seasoned creatives,” Stanol said. “Many make it easy to find them by adding a link in the ‘contact info’ section in their LinkedIn profile. Even so, don’t assume the person interviewing you is as familiar with your work as you are. Use specific examples to heighten the conversation.” It’s also important for candidates showcasing a collaborative project that they identify the various other people they worked with and identify the specifics of what they handled, Stanol added. Social media or the ways in which a creative is using artificial intelligence can be valuable to highlight as well, Stanol said. “AI is emerging as a novel way to differentiate one’s self,” he said. “I haven’t personally seen a lot of recruiting assignments for AI-specific roles, but they’re coming. Savvy creative directors and those in other departments are beginning to tout their expertise in AI.” “What is relatively new is that creatives need to demonstrate signs [or] qualifications in their resume [or] portfolio that indicate that they’re familiar with using AI tools,” said Aimee Pagano, VML’s global head of talent acquisition. “As this is a relatively new space, we would not look for expansive deep experience—but we would look to see if experiences listed include projects related to and or inclusive of AI … Are they reading, are they taking a course, are they working on a special project outside their scope to have access to learning?” However, Pagano said many of the skills “we have always looked for remain the same in great talent,” including being able to problem-solve using creativity, communications, and the “ability to visually represent data in compelling ways to tell a story.” More news: US ad employment ended 2023 at an all-time high Here are a few requirements agencies are looking for in candidates for their open creative jobs. Experience varies widely. How much do people in these roles get paid? Interestingly, Martens said despite agencies scaling back their creative departments, salaries have not come down. “There hasn’t necessarily been a downward pressure on compensation, instead, there seems to be a premium on high-performing talent,” Martens said. “Companies will battle to hold on to those they have.” Stanol said he sees the most senior talent, including executive creative directors and chief creative officers, commanding higher salaries, while “mid-level professionals have less of a premium over other departments and vary with agency size and market.” Many of the salaries Ad Age tracked are in the six-figure range. Much depends on the specific role and the company, but here’s a glimpse, thanks to a law in New York that went into effect Nov. 1, 2022, requiring companies to include good faith pay ranges for all job listings. Job title: Creative director, art (beauty), VML (formerly Wunderman Thompson) Salary range: $100,000 - $230,000 a year VML is looking for a creative director/art director “with strong and proven conceptual ideas to join our world-class creative team on a client in the beauty category.” The candidate “should be able to work and lead, owning an array of client projects. Excellent client relationship and presentation skills are expected,” per the listing. The agency is looking for someone who can both deliver on expectations “and then surprise us with something we’ve never thought of.” Skills desired for this role include: “Excellent client relationship and presentation skills”; the ability to work and lead a range of projects; “current credibility as either an ACD or Creative Director, with a targeted minimum of 9 years of experience as an Art Director at gradually more senior levels in advertising”; and “experience in the beauty category is highly valued.” See the job post here. Job title: Creative director, Turner Duckworth Salary range: $121,000 - $204,500 a year Turner Duckworth is seeking a creative director “interested in driving original, culturally definitive work that stands the test of time, and who shares a nothing-but-the-best-will-do mentality,” the job post read. The Publicis Groupe design firm said the candidate should consistently deliver work that “succeeds commercially, critically and socially. You’re aware of cultural and creative trends, but consciously choose to forge a new path. Your expectations are sky-high, but you’re able to help your team rise to meet them. Your direction is clear, but you’re able to suggest as well as you prescribe,” per the listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least 10 years of experience working at a design or creative agency; at least four years of leading a creative team; “strong interpersonal and communication skills”; and the “ability to simultaneously juggle multiple clients, projects, workstreams and deadlines.” See the job post here. Job title: Senior copywriter, 160over90 Salary range: $93,750 - $125,000 Endeavor’s 160over90 is looking for a senior copywriter who will also work with its partner shop, Obsidianworks, the marketing agency co-founded by actor and producer Michael B. Jordan and Chad Easterling. The agency said in the listing that the senior copywriter should be ready to enter a fast-paced environment, according to the job listing. The senior copywriter will work with the art director to create copy across existing clients and new business pitches. Skills desired for this role include: A strong background in writing, journalism, advertising, marketing or another related field; someone who “takes a profound interest in the world around you—culture, music, film, sport, art, entertainment”; and someone who is “approachable, collaborative, results-oriented, problem-solver who can both provide and take direction well.” See the job post here. Job title: Associate creative director, copy, Grey New York Salary range: $150,000 - $175,000 a year Grey New York is looking to hire an associate creative director, copy, to lead “the briefing, concept, copy and execution of cross-channel initiatives.” This person will “create and inspire work that is superior across all channels, distinctive and famously effective. With a background as a copywriter, you will set creative direction and offer hands-on guidance throughout client team projects, while displaying a cohesive understanding and can execute,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least eight years of experience in a creative role; experience working across all channels at an agency; a strong creative portfolio; and “strong verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to all levels of clients.” See the job post here. Job title: Director of creative strategy, Whalar Salary range: $125,000 - $150,000 a year Creator company Whalar is looking for a director of creative strategy to help plan and executive “creator-first” campaigns for brands. The role is part creative, part strategy. The person will work across teams to develop “creator-led creative and social strategies” on behalf of brands. The candidate will have to “unpack client briefs, identifying the exact strategic outcome and what is required to achieve it,” as well as “develop clear brief templates and frameworks for team, oversee creator briefings to ensure on-strategy creative output from creators,” among other duties, per the listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least eight years of experience working in creative, social media and content strategy; at least three years of experience in a senior role; and “fluency in social media platforms and their unique dynamics, including extensive knowledge of user behaviors and platform features.” See the job post here. Job title: Copywriter, Meta Salary range: $94,000 - $142,000 a year There is a copywriting position open at Creative X, Meta’s creative agency for all of the company’s brands including Meta, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and its hardware products. The person will “design, write, edit, test and improve content that makes our brand come to life on our platforms. This includes product flows, interface language, product names and other brand activations,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least three years of experience “in an advertising agency or in-house setting, concepting and writing copy for global brands”; “demonstrated experience working on mobile-first social campaigns for brand marketing and product development”; and “experience crafting writing that breathes humanity into technology in a way that is understood by audiences.” See the job post here. Job title: Senior copywriter, Droga5 Salary range: $84,500 - $168,600 a year Accenture Song-owned Droga5 has a senior copywriting job open. This person will be “expected to consistently and independently come up with a volume of great ideas that are on brief, and also possess the self-editing skills to start shaping amazing campaigns for our clients,” per the job listing. The senior copywriter will also get “to cut their teeth as managers—helping lead creative teams and presenting to clients.” Skills desired for this role include: A book “or samples of work demonstrating smart, brand-building ideas and executions”; “multi-faceted in developing different types of creative media”; and “production experience and ability to handle different types of productions.” See the job post here. Job title: Agency creative, head of home, Ralph Lauren Salary range: $162,500 - $282,500 a year Ralph Lauren is seeking a creative lead on all content and advertising for its home business. This person will sit within the fashion company’s in-house ad agency. Responsibilities will include embodying “corporate business goals in everyday work," and the successful candidate will "drive new growth, increase productivity, and work in new ways,” as well as ensuring the “creative work represents brand, design and business intention across concept, production, post and launch,” per the listing. Skills desired for this role include: Experience experience in a senior advertising role either in-house or at an agency in the luxury home space; “solid experience in digital-driven businesses, with a high level of proprietary digital creative output”; and an “expert understanding of customer experience methodology, marketing, advertising, and ecommerce.” See the job post here. Job title: VP, associate creative director, copy, TBWA\WorldHealth Salary range: $150,000 - $193,500 a year Jobs are plentiful in the health care space. Omnicom’s TBWA\WorldHealth is seeking a VP, associate creative director, copy to “produce and supervise high-level, quality core-concept written material and other content to achieve creative excellence on behalf of our clients,” per the listing. This person will both support business growth and push “the envelope on developing ground-breaking creative content.” Skills desired for this role include: A Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or equivalent; a minimum of six to 10 years of experience in the advertising and content space; and “exceptional writing skills, strong command of the English language, ability to use creativity in writing, good working knowledge of medical terminology a plus.” See the job post here. Job title: Senior copywriter, Omnicom Health Group Salary range: $70,000 - $99,300 a year There is also a senior copywriting position open at Omnicom Health Group. This person will work with the art director to “develop conceptual approaches to meet client objectives.” The senior copywriter is expected to “maintain positive, productive relationships” with the account teams, per the job listing. Since it’s in the health care space, this person should be able to prepare and submit copy for various medical and legal approvals. Skills desired for this role include: A Bachelor’s degree; two to four years of healthcare advertising copywriting experience; and “knowledge, background and/or interest in science and medicine.” See the job post here. Job title: Associate art director, Omni, Gap Salary range: $134,000 to $177,500 a year Gap is hiring for an associate art director to drive the brand’s “visual identity and photo direction for multi-channel campaigns that touch all areas of the customer journey—including site experience, ecommerce, email marketing, digital advertising, video, social and more,” per the job listing. This person will oversee multiple projects at the same time. Skills desired for this role include: A minimum of six years experience of art direction, design, creative experience, and retail and luxury experience is preferred; at least three years of management experience; and someone who is “skilled at merging art with commerce.” See the job post here. Job title: Creative director, Revlon Salary range: $175,000 - $190,000 a year Revlon is seeking a creative director to specifically strengthen beauty brand Elizabeth Arden’s market position and business results. This person will develop “cross-channel, brand-building and commerce-driving creative assets and marketing solutions that address strategic business objectives” and “direct all phases of work from concept through production,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least 10 years of experience delivering “progressive creative and digital marketing experience, design experience on the client or agency side”; at least seven years of management or supervisory experience; and the “ability to see the big picture, determine the right course of action for the group, delegate responsibility to the right people, allocate the right resources.” See the job post here. Job title: Senior copywriter, VaynerMedia Salary range: $75,000 - $110,000 a year Gary Vaynerchuk’s VaynerMedia is seeking a senior copywriter. “A maker!” per the job listing, this candidate’s “main focus is ideation and creation, both at a high speed and volume.” The person will collaborate with departments including creative, client services and strategy to “develop a high variety of content that meets creative and strategic criteria.” The need is for someone to write content for both social and traditional media on behalf of clients. Plus, the senior copywriter should “be as much of a friendly mentor as a proficient doer when working within our dynamic brand team structure,” the listing reads. Skills desired for this role include: Three to seven years experience copywriting and creating for digital and social; a “Bachelor’s degree a plus”; the “ability to proofread and self-edit copy to produce error-free content that adheres to brand’s style guidelines”; and “the ability to understand, absorb and execute on constructive criticism.” See the job post here. Job title: VP director, creative, copywriter, Digitas Salary range: $121,000 - $191,000 a year Publicis Groupe’s Digitas is looking to hire a VP director, creative (copywriter) to “oversee the development and execution of everything from large-scale, multi-channel campaigns to small, one-time projects.” This person will partner with other departments including strategy, media and tech and should “build relationships internally and externally that enable stakeholders to trust you when taking risks,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: A four-year degree; at least 10 years of experience at a competitive creative agency; and a portfolio of work that showcases “strong brand-building, digital and multimedia experience, and a track record of successful creative work, along with expertise developing.” See the job post here. Job title: Executive creative director, Pinterest Salary range: $200,000 - $250,000 a year Social platform Pinterest is looking for an executive creative director to work with the chief marketing officer “to help us tell our story in the most impactful, breakthrough ways possible across three important audiences,” per the job listing. This senior creative will lead work across markets including the Americas, EMEA and APAC and oversee the entire creative team. Skills desired for this role include: At least 10 years of experience as a creative director or creative strategist “at leading ad agencies”; at least five years leading creative for an in-house brand team; and someone with “a deep understanding of design craft and could lead and give credible feedback to a group of talented in-house design directors and designers.” See the job post here. Job title: VP, group creative director, art, Momentum Worldwide Salary range: $200,000 to $225,000 a year IPG’s Momentum Worldwide is seeking a VP, group creative director, art to work alongside the New York executive creative director to “direct creative on multiple projects, on concurrent timelines, while keeping creative on brand and on strategy,” per the job listing. This person should be able to “convince clients to adapt their brand to meet changing circumstances beyond their control,” and have exceptional managerial skills. Skills desired for this role include: At least 12 years of experience in advertising, with management experience; “experiential experience a plus”; the person should have “experience managing creative teams—performance management, reviews, employee development, etc.”; and the candidate should be “approachable, collaborative and results-oriented. Works with minimal direction, evaluating and advising on best practices.” See the job post here. Job title: Creative director, National Basketball Association Salary range: $200,000 - $250,000 a year The National Basketball Association is looking to hire a creative director for its esports league venture with Take-Two Interactive, the NBA 2K League. This person will support the content and media teams to deliver content across digital, social and broadcast, “with the end goal of increasing the 2K League’s fanbase and viewership audience,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: Eight years of experience in creative development, production and storytelling; a reel that demonstrates a “track record of developing high-end creative”; and experience developing creative content, specifically for sports. See the job post here. Job title: Creative director, fashion and beauty advertising, Macy’s Salary range: $117,000 - $200,000 a year Macy’s is hiring for a creative director, fashion and beauty advertising to oversee the development of creative strategies and campaigns for the retailer’s fashion and beauty products. The person will lead a team of advertising and creative employees. Skills desired for this role include: At least 10 years of experience “in a creative environment, preferably within the fashion and beauty industry”; candidates should have “a deep understanding of the fashion and beauty landscape” and “a strong eye for detail.” See the job post here. Job title: Junior art director, Havas Health & You Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000 a year Havas Health & You is another healthcare advertising network hiring in the creative department. It has a junior art director position open; someone who will deliver “every idea and assignment with creativity and passion.” This person should have a background as a graphic designer “with an eye for detail and understanding of graphic communication,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: A “basic knowledge of design principles in multiple medium, including web and print design, print production and understanding of retouching”; basic knowledge of agency functions; previous design experience in digital and print; and a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, interactive design, advertising or another design-related field. See the job post here. Job title: Copywriter, Media.Monks Salary range: $85,000 — $95,000 a year S4 Capital’s Media.Monks has an entry-level copywriting position open. The digital agency is seeking someone who is bilingual. The copywriter will “work with other creative Monks to brainstorm ideas, and campaigns and win new projects” and “develop creative concepts that deliver against the approved creative brief and brand & product guidelines,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: More than three years of experience “as a bilingual copywriter, preferably in the entertainment industry”; “excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish”; and the ability to “develop brand identities through multi-channel marketing.” See the job post here. Job title: Senior art director, THNY Creative Studio (Tommy Hilfiger) Salary range: $150,000 - $170,000 a year There is a job opening for a senior art director at THNY Creative Studio, the in-house creative agency of PVH-owned Tommy Hilfiger. This person will be responsible for developing and executing all creative marketing for Tommy Hilfiger North America. The candidate should be able to “translate business objectives into creative strategies that drive consumer engagement and sales across multiple touchpoints,” according to the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least 10 years of experience working in creative in fashion ecommerce or retail; at least three years of experience leading a team; creative agency and fashion retail experience “a plus”; and a “BFA in Graphic Design or equivalent experience (portfolio required).” See the job post here. Job title: Junior copywriter, The Community Salary range: $51,000 - $75,000 a year The Community, part of Publicis, has a junior copywriting position open. This person will work with the agency’s creative directors “to ensure that the team’s creative efforts are efficient and impactful. You will be responsible for providing copywriting efforts for agency clients as well as research, conceptualize, write, proofread and edit ad and media content,” per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: One to three years of experience at an agency; “excellent communication skills—ability to interact with team and clients”; and “deadline driven, organized, and able to multi-task.” See the job post here. Job title: Creative director, Urban Outfitters Salary range: $90,000 - $130,000 a year Urban Outfitters is hiring for a creative director, an experienced executive “with a passion for fashion, design and art.” The creative director “will be responsible for developing and executing the creative vision of the company, as well as inspiring and leading a team of creatives to reach their full potential,” per the listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least five years of experience in a creative leadership position; a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, art, fashion or a related field; a strong portfolio of work “demonstrating their creative vision and style is a plus”; and it seeks“excellent” communications and organizational skills. See the job post here. Job title: Copywriter, social, The&Partnership Salary range: $78,000 - $83,000 a year WPP-backed The&Partnership is hiring for a copywriter on the Audible business, Amazon’s audio app that the holding company won last year. The&Partnership, as part of the larger WPP team handling the business, is supporting its social media efforts across 10 markets and 30 channels, including Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. The shop is looking for writers to develop content for those channels. This person “will work closely with the wider strategy, account and creative teams to ensure we are delivering best-in-class social media content, helping to create organic social campaigns that standout cross all platforms,” the job listing read. Skills desired for this role include: At least three years of experience “in advertising, ideally at a creative/digital agency with a focus on social and digital content”; experience working with branded social platforms and work examples to showcase that; and the ability to “optimize social media posts (language, tone, message) based on our target audience’s behaviors and reactions.” See the job post here. Job title: Senior art director/copywriter, FCB New York Salary range: $90,000 - $120,000 a year IPG’s FCB New York is looking for a senior copywriter; someone who will be “accountable for things ‘getting done right’ and responsible for completing projects through to execution, presenting work to leadership, and representing FCB's creative process and integrity at all stages of an engagement,” per the job listing. The senior copywriter “will be responsible for the conception, design and execution on complex projects with minimum supervision.” Skills desired for this role include: A “specialized skill set” and experience with writing in diverse styles; candidates must display“strong attention to detail and [be] highly organized”; and possess a portfolio “with very interesting channel-agnostic ideas.” See the job post here. Job title: Copywriter, Ready Set Rocket Salary range: $75,000 - $100,000 a year Data-driven agency Ready Set Rocket is looking for a copywriter to “craft compelling narratives” for clients across various categories including financial services, B2B, food and beverage, beauty and media. This person will contribute to developing content strategies and messaging, among other things, and write copy for social media, video scripts, campaigns and websites, per the job listing. Skills desired for this role include: Three to six years of experience in copywriting, editing, marketing strategy, social; this person will be required to be on site in the New York office. See the job post here. Job title: Copywriter, healthcare, Weber Shandwick Salary range: $60,000 - $80,000 a year IPG PR firm Weber Shandwick is looking for a copywriter to write copy for its health care clients spanning digital and social, “video scripts, pitch documents and a range of campaign material,” per the job listing. The firm wrote: “Healthcare creative is often seen as boring and conservative. We work every day to disrupt that theory. But it takes a special type of creative.” Skills desired for this role include: One to three years of copywriting experience within advertising, digital, social media, publishing and content or PR; an interest in the health care space; and a portfolio with “anything that conveys the way you think or approach assignments, even if it was never produced.” See the job post here. Job title: Copywriter, Marc Jacobs Salary range: $80,000 - $90,000 a year LVMH fashion brand Marc Jacobs is looking for a copywriter to develop brand messaging “for all digital marketing channels, including ecommerce, social media, performance and digital media.” This person will collaborate with various teams including marketing and ecommerce to create “relevant product stories and experiences,” per the job listing. The copywriter is also expected to pitch content ideas for “both big seasonal concepts and daily assets.” Skills desired for this role include: Five to seven years of relevant copywriting experience; “fashion experience preferred”; a “Bachelor’s degree required”; and “excellent communication and a broad range of writing skills, from creative to technical.” See the job post here. Job title: Executive creative director, Coro Cybersecurity Salary range: $180,000 - $235,000 a year Cybersecurity company Coro is looking to hire an executive creative director in-house after recently raising $175 million in funds. The executive creative director will own the Coro brand, effectively communicating how it provides customers with “email security, cloud applications, endpoint security and data protection.” The person will develop the “execution of our corporate design and branding strategies” and lead the “corporate marketing creative team,” per the listing. Skills desired for this role include: At least 10 years of experience as a creative director in a tech company; “B2B SaaS experience is a must”; experience “managing and leading a team of creatives, providing mentorship, and driving results”; and “exceptional creative and artistic vision, with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visual concepts.” See the job post here. See our 2023 Marketers of the Year here

Advertising salary guide—How to land a creative job at a top agency or brand

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