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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 600,000 people held jobs in the advertising field in 2006. This statistic includes sales managers, marketing managers, public relations managers and advertising and promotional managers.
The Department of Labor estimates that, between 2006 and 2016, the advertising job market will increase by about 12 percent, which is average in comparison to other job fields---but the market is highly competitive and is expected to remain that way.
Median salary range for people in the advertising industry as described above is between $73,000 and $119,000, depending on position, and the report indicates that those who graduate with a degree in marketing are likely to pull in a slightly higher salary than advertising majors.
Plus, says the BLS, salary levels can vary based on the level of responsibility, length of service, size of the company and the location. Generally, new college grads or people just entering the industry can expect to be on the lower end of the pay scale in an entry-level position. - Most advertising and public relations agencies require their employees to have at least a bachelor's degree as a condition of employment. Degrees in marketing, journalism or advertising are preferred. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and those who already have substantial experience in the field but who don't possess a degree are likely to be hired over their degreed (but less experienced) counterparts, in some cases.
- In addition to education and experience, advertising and public relations firms generally seek people who are computer literate and capable of using word processing and database applications. Knowing a foreign language is not usually a requirement; however, it can certainly benefit you in your job search, as some agencies work with non-English speaking clients on a consistent basis. Retail selling experience isn't necessary, but it can provide important insight and perspective for someone looking to get into the industry. Good communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to relate well to others. It's important for anyone in the advertising field to have the capacity to be creative. Plus, thanks to a high level of competition for jobs in the field, being able to handle criticism and rejection is vital to one's success. Flexibility and the ability to work as part of a team are also essential qualities for anyone working in the field of advertising.
