Advertising sales agents sell print, television, radio, and online advertising space to businesses and individuals. They contact and often travel to meet in person with potential clients to describe and sell advertising and promotional packages. Other general responsibilities of advertising sales agents include:
- Presenting advertising products, art, and services to potential clients
- Providing estimates of costs for advertising products and services
- Explaining and recommending options, including sizes and formats, to potential clients
- Preparing promotional plans, sales contracts, and advertising and illustration proofs for clients
Jobs in the advertising sales are predicted to grow as media companies continue to rely on advertising revenue for their profits. The increase in online and digital media advertising, including ads on cell phones, tablet computers, and online radio stations, is driving the demand for advertising sales agents familiar with the world of Internet publishing.
Advertising Sales Agent at a Glance
Projected Job Growth
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Job Growth for
Advertising Sales Agent
Average Pay for Advertising Sales Agent
- Annual Pay National Average
- Hourly Pay National Average
Best States for Advertising Sales Agent
| Employment in 2011 |
Average Annual Pay |
Average Hourly Pay |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 19,600 | $76,350 | $37 |
| Florida | 11,590 | $46,140 | $22 |
| Illinois | 10,870 | $61,870 | $30 |
Sources:
- From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2012
- From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2010
Becoming an Advertising Sales Agent
Although a high school diploma is acceptable for entry-level advertising sales positions, a bachelor's degree in advertising or some combination of business, communications, and sales and marketing can provide career opportunities and advancement. There are a growing number of online advertising and advertising sales-related degree options available from both for profit and nonprofit universities. For example, the for-profit DeVry University offers a sales and marketing specialization with its online business, management, and technical management bachelor's degrees.
Degrees advertising sales will typically include courses in marketing, public relations, media, and communications. The private, nonprofit Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online bachelor's in advertising that prepares students for careers in the advertising industry, including media planning and sales. Some specific classes from SNHU's program include:
- Introduction to Marketing
- Graphics and Layout in Print Media
- Advertising Campaigns
- Advertising Copy and Design
- Promotional Research and Media Measurement
Entry-level advertising sales positions will involve a good deal of on-the-job training. Over time, advertising sales agents can advance to upper-level managerial positions including sales supervisor, sales manager, or vice president of sales. Agents with especially strong sales records and strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills may advance to a career in another related industry.