Advertising Sales Agents

SOC code 41-3011 · O*NET-SOC 41-3011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Sales

Advertising Sales Agents pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$64,820

a year

Hourly

$31.16

per hour

10th$35,240Median$64,82090th$146,010

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$80,670

$38.79 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,020 – $99,990

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,240 – $146,010

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

91,700

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,240; $16.94/hr
25th percentile: $47,020; $22.61/hr
Median percentile: $64,820; $31.16/hr
75th percentile: $99,990; $48.07/hr
90th percentile: $146,010; $70.20/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

-6%

Declining

103,700

jobs in 2024

97,100

projected for 2034

About 6,600 fewer jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does an advertising sales agent do?

Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Explain to customers how specific types of advertising will help promote their products or services in the most effective way possible.
Prepare and deliver sales presentations to new and existing customers to sell new advertising programs and to protect and increase existing advertising.
Obtain and study information about clients' products, needs, problems, advertising history, and business practices to offer effective sales presentations and appropriate product assistance.
Provide clients with estimates of the costs of advertising products or services.
Maintain assigned account bases while developing new accounts.
Recommend appropriate sizes and formats for advertising, depending on medium used.
Locate and contact potential clients to offer advertising services.
Draw up contracts for advertising work, and collect payments due.

How to become an advertising sales agent

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an advertising sales agent earn?

The national median is $64,820 a year. The full range runs from $35,240 at the 10th percentile to $146,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an advertising sales agent without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is advertising sales agent in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Writing3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Sales and Marketing4.8/5
English Language4.3/5
Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Communications and Media4.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Administrative3.4/5
Mathematics3.0/5
Administration and Management2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Persuasion, Social Perceptiveness, Negotiation, Service Orientation.