Advertising accounts managers and creative directors Salary
Median salary £46,356 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
About this role
Advertising accounts managers and creative directors (2020 SOC) lead strategic and creative delivery of advertising campaigns across digital, print, broadcast and social channels, managing client portfolios and overseeing creative execution.
Key responsibilities
- Managing client accounts and campaign strategies
- Directing creative output across channels
- Overseeing production and performance reporting
- Building new business through pitches
- Managing creative teams
Qualifications and entry routes
Degrees in advertising, marketing or creative arts are common. IPA qualifications and D&AD membership add professional credibility. Creative directors require strong portfolios.
Career outlook
Digital ad spend continues to grow. Demand strong for professionals combining creative thinking with data analytics.
Key skills
Common industries
- Full-service agencies
- Digital agencies
- Social media agencies
- In-house marketing
- Media buying
Data coverage
Median Salary
£46,356
Mean Salary
£52,936
Jobs (000s)
31k
Data Years
5 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£23,514
0-2 years
Mid Level
£33,276
3-7 years
Senior
£62,896
8-15 years
Potential career growth: +167% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 15.2%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£46,356
Full-time Only
£48,977
Full-time premium: +£2,621
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Salary forecast
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Lifetime earnings
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