How much does a ad sales agent make?
Answer: A typical ad sales agent in the United States makes $64,820 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 92,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Ad sales agent pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,240 | $64,820 | $146,010 | about 92,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $101,320 | about 4,000 |
| New York | $98,360 | about 14,000 |
| Massachusetts | $80,500 | about 1,000 |
| California | $80,360 | about 10,000 |
| Colorado | $73,420 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., an ad sales agent's experience, sales results, employer, and location can affect pay. Many jobs add commissions or bonuses to salary, so strong personal, team, or company results can mean more.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a ad sales agent do?
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
What's a typical day like?
They research a business and its customers, then meet or call to suggest ads for print, radio, TV, websites, or social media. They prepare sample ads and cost proposals, follow up with clients, and report on their accounts.
How to get this job
In the U.S., people usually start after high school; some employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. Sales and communication skills help, and new hires learn on the job.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some ad sales agents arrange commercial taping sessions and go along with clients—more than just making sales calls!
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Sales jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/advertising-sales-agents.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/41-3011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY