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Media buyer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • Range of typical starting salaries: £18,000 - £26,000, depending on geographical location. For example, salaries are usually higher in London.
  • Range of salaries with three to five years' experience: £26,000 - £35,000, dependant on experience and location.
  • Senior buyers (e.g. media directors with 10 to 15 years' experience) can earn up to £50,000 or more, depending on location.
  • While the starting salary could be seen low, there is a potential for high earnings, depending on aptitude and experience.
  • It may be possible to increase earnings by moving between agencies or moving into sales. The largest average salaries are found in the larger agencies, often located in London.
  • Some agencies may offer other benefits to their staff such as private healthcare and gym memberships.
  • Working hours are typically nine to five, with extra hours when deadlines have to be met. Shift work is rare. Some agencies have flexible working hours on the understanding that staff will work late if a tight deadline is to be made.
  • Many agencies offer up to five weeks' annual leave entitlement (not including national Bank Holidays).
  • Media buyers are generally office based, with a large amount of time spent on the telephone negotiating with media sales representatives. However, some time may be spent visiting clients and media sales representatives.
  • Self-employment/freelance work is generally not possible. Consultancy work may be possible at higher levels.
  • Roles in this area are divided almost equally between men and women.
  • Opportunities generally exist in large towns and cities, but rarely in rural areas.
  • Due to the fast-moving nature of the media industry, buyers may find it challenging to re-enter the role after a career break.
  • Buyers are often expected to network and socialise with clients and media sales representatives. Lunchtime and evening socialising is often required, but buyers' hours are generally more regular than those of other agency staff.
  • The atmosphere and dress code in agencies is usually informal, although a professional and business-like appearance is required for meetings with clients.
  • Travel within a working day is occasional and absence from home at night or overseas work or travel is uncommon.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
June 2010
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