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SOC 2494 Business, media and public service professionals

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

Strategic advertising Creative leadership Client management Digital channels Data-driven optimisation

Common industries

  • Full-service agencies
  • Digital agencies
  • Social media agencies
  • In-house marketing
  • Media buying

Data coverage

SOC code 2494
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2021–2025
Estimated jobs 31,000

Median Salary

£46,356

Mean Salary

£52,936

Jobs (000s)

31k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £33,276Median: £46,356P75: £62,896
P10: £24kP25: £33kMedian: £46kP75: £63kP90: --

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)

Nominal growth: +21.2%Real growth: +7.3%

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