How much does an ad sales agent make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical ad sales agent in the United States makes $64,820 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some ad sales agents arrange commercial taping sessions and go along with clients—more than just making sales calls!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,240 and $146,010How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($101,320), lowest in Tennessee ($40,910).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
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