How to become an advertising sales agent
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..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.
What advertising sales agents do
- Maintain assigned account bases while developing new accounts.
- Draw up contracts for advertising work, and collect payments due.
- Inform customers of available options for advertisement artwork, and provide samples.
- Write copy as part of layout.
- Attend sales meetings, industry trade shows, and training seminars to gather information, promote products, expand network of contacts, and increase knowledge.
- Write sales outlines for use by staff.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
Is advertising sales agent a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 27% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $101,320
- New York $98,360
- Massachusetts $80,500
- California $80,360
- District of Columbia $75,030
Advertising Sales Agents salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.