You can specialise in advertising across many seemingly different marketing careers. Campaign manager, copywriter, media buyer, creative director, and head of marketing can all potentially be jobs for advertising specialists. Each role plays a unique part in shaping and delivering successful campaigns that capture audience attention.
Let's explore what advertising professionals do, the types of jobs available, salary expectations, and whether advertising could be the right career for you.
What Does an Advertising Specialist Do?
A career in advertising means you work on advertising campaigns, whether as a creator, analyst, or buyer. Advertising specialists manage campaigns to promote products and services, using different media channels like TV, radio, and digital platforms. They shape the message to reach target audiences and analysing market trends to inform strategy.
Advertising specialists also collaborate with other professionals such as graphic designers, copywriters, and account managers to develop content. They handle budgets, optimise campaign performance, and adjust strategies based on data insights.
10 Types of Advertising Jobs
Advertising jobs are a mix of creative, strategic, and operational roles, each contributing to a campaign’s success. Here are ten key positions that keep the industry running.
1. Advertising account planner
Account planners decide how to approach an advertising campaign by analysing research and consumer data. They develop strategies to make sure the campaign reaches the right audience and delivers results.
2. Advertising art director
Art directors are responsible for the design and visuals used in ads. They lead creative teams to produce graphics, videos, and other media that define the campaign’s visual style.
3. Advertising copywriter
Copywriters create the text and slogans that carry the core message of an ad. They write persuasive content that captures the audience's attention and aligns with the brand's tone.
4. Advertising manager
Advertising managers oversee the full process of creating and running campaigns, handling both the creative and business aspects. They coordinate with teams to keep the campaign on track and within budget.
5. Advertising production manager
Production managers handle the practical aspects of creating advertisements, from scheduling to quality control. They ensure that ads are produced on time and meet client expectations.
6. Advertising sales director
Sales directors manage the sale of advertising spaces or airtime. They negotiate deals with media outlets and clients to boost revenue and expand the ad’s reach.
7. Creative director
Creative directors are responsible for the overall vision of an advertising campaign. They guide the creative process from start to finish, making sure the design and messaging are cohesive and meet the campaign’s goals.
8. Media buyer
Media buyers handle purchasing ad placements across TV, digital, print, or other media. Their job is to secure the best positions for ads to reach the intended audience at the most efficient cost.
9. Media coordinator
Media coordinators manage the logistics of placing ads across different platforms. They take care of scheduling and ensure that ads run as planned in the correct channels.
10. Media director
Media directors oversee the entire media strategy, choosing the right platforms and channels for advertising. They work with media planners and buyers to optimise the campaign’s exposure.
Average Salary
Specialists in advertising earn anywhere from $70k to $150k or more in Australia. Advertising-focused positions range from junior entry-level marketing jobs through to executive roles. Salary data for advertising jobs is patchy as these occupations tend to be classed in broader occupational categories.
Average salary and job ads in advertising
| Job | Openings | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Manager | 541 | $105K |
| Marketing Director | 505 | $155K |
| Creative Director | 226 | $130K |
| Media Coordinator | 165 | $70K |
| Advertising Specialist | 100 | $75K |
Source: Seek Australia. Updated: 24 September 2024.
Campaign managers may be responsible for large advertising budgets, and achieve an average salary of around $105k in Australia. While roles like Media Coordinator and Advertising Specialist offer fewer openings, they provide solid entry points into the industry.
High-level positions such as Marketing Director command salaries of $150k or more, offering career growth for those with experience and leadership skills.
Is Advertising a Good Career Choice?
Advertising is a field you can switch into as part of a broader marketing career pathway. Getting into advertising is not always easy as it can rely on building connections and having a strong portfolio of work, especially in creative roles.
Many advertising professionals start in related fields such as marketing, media, or sales before transitioning into specialised advertising positions.
While it offers the chance to work on varied and exciting projects, advertising can also be demanding, with tight deadlines and performance-based evaluations. For those who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy creative and strategic thinking, advertising can be a fulfilling and well-paying career.
Related: Marketing Careers List (Job Types)